Social Media and Indigenous Identity: The Case of Canada’s Métis People

Social media has drastically altered the way people communicate.Thanks to social networking services (SNS) such as Facebook and X, individuals can interact in real time or asynchronously with people from around the world.One emerging body of research explores how social media can shape individual and group identities.This article assesses the significance of social media for Indigenous identity.Its focus is on the Mtis, an Indigenous people in Canada who, in recent years, have been reaffirming their heritage and identity.A central aim of the study will be to determine what role social media has played and might play in this cultural resurgence by helping Mtis connect with one another, share aspects of their culture, and clarify who can and cannot claim a Mtis identity.By sharing and analyzing examples of online Mtis exchanges, the research will offer insights into how digital platforms can foster cultural continuity and support collective identity-building efforts.