Conclusion

Métis-sur-Mer is a coastal village that takes pride in its history. Spanning more than two hundred years, its history is unique because of its distant location, its métissage of languages and cultures, and its architectural harmony and remarkable shoreline environment.

Metis has preserved much of its unique character. It remains an idyllic shoreline village whose high hedges and cliffside homes intrigue passersby, inspire visitors and enthuse generations of families who have made it their home.

From the outside looking in, Metis might appear to be community stuck in time, its landscape and character unchanged for decades. For those living in Metis on the other hand, change appears constant, the community much different today that it was just a few years ago. Storm events have made everyone aware of the precarity of the shoreline and of the pace of change that is transforming the St. Lawrence and its climate.

Metis has inspired several books, at least two novels, a play and many articles. Its history continues to enthuse residents, who have published pamphlets and created digital resources to document and preserve, inform and educate. The material is vast, much of it found in the collections of Heritage Lower St. Lawrence, but just as much in personal treasure troves and public collections.

This virtual exhibition makes some of this rich heritage available. Our hope is that this portrait of the past will inspire a new generation of history-seekers to continue to collect and contribute to the telling of the story of Metis.