Maria Campbell wrote Half-Breed primarily out of profound frustration and anger stemming from the pervasive racism and discrimination she, her family, and her people faced in Canada. Her motivations extended beyond personal experience to a broader goal of recognition and historical accuracy for the Métis community.
The core reasons and objectives behind writing Half-Breed can be summarized as follows:
| Motivation Category | Specific Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Addressing Injustice | To express anger and frustration at the widespread racism and discrimination encountered by Métis people. | Exposed societal prejudice and advocated for change. |
| Giving Voice & Identity | To "give halfbreeds a face and a name," asserting their humanity and presence in Canadian society. | Countered invisibility and fostered self-recognition. |
| Historical Recognition | To demonstrate and highlight the vital importance of Métis people to Canada's history. | Corrected historical narratives and celebrated heritage. |
Through Half-Breed, Campbell crafted a powerful narrative that not only shared her personal journey but also served as a crucial tool for advocacy, aiming to challenge misconceptions and affirm the dignity and historical significance of the Métis nation.
For further exploration of Maria Campbell's work and its impact, you can refer to discussions on her biography and its purpose, such as those found on McMaster University's Digital Collections.
