METIS CULTURE 1708-1714

March 14: King Louis XIV signed a decree: His majesty offers clemency to those Coureurs des Bois whose inconsequential put them in this regrettable situation. His majesty has ordered and orders, wants and intends that all the inhabitants of New France, who went wood running and trading with Native Nations without leave nor permission and who will return to their homes in the course of the year 1715, may do so in security and without fear of being prosecuted for reason of their disobedience. They go to Fort Michillimakinac, New France (Michigan) to obtain a certificate of compliance. Those not registering or those found guilty of having aided, abetted or kept correspondence with said Coureurs des Bois, be dealt the full punishment prescribed in the decrees, wherever they may be encountered. It is noteworthy that this decree and others highlight the reason why so little is know of the travels and exploration of America by these Coureurs des Bois and Metis of the First Nations. These excommunicated French, without violence, fanfare or pressure of recognition and immortality, conquered a continent. Conquered in the sense of overcoming the overwhelming obstacles and restrictions that were imposed by a French regime.