PROFILE - GUILLAUME CHARETTE (1884-1952)

Guillaume Charette was born in St. Norbert in 1884. His parents were William Charette and Sarah Perrault. During his early years, everything around him reflected his Metis heritage. He was raised in a home built of oak logs which served as a half-way house to travellers for almost a century.

Mr. Charette attended school in St. Norbert and St. Boniface College where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1910. In 1914 he received his degree from the Manitoba School of Law. He then joined the armed forces and was stationed in Europe where he was wounded and, subsequently, returned to Canada.

Mr. Charette worked for the Department of Immigration for the greater part of his working career and was stationed in various cities in Canada and the United States. He was also a prolific writer and storyteller and published many works of historical value.

Mr. Charette served as President of the Union National Mettisse St. Joseph for many years and was instrumental in leading the society in helping to change the way of thinking of the Manitoba population towards Metis people. He spent most of his free time helping people to appreciate the important role played by the Metis in the development of Canada.