Explain the difference between land scrip and money scrip. What was the value of the two? How did Metis people get scrip?
Land scrip and money scrip were two different forms of compensation or land grants given to Métis people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Canada.
1. Land Scrip: Land scrip provided Métis individuals with the opportunity to claim a specific parcel of land. Under this system, the government allocated scrip, which represented a certain number of acres of land, to Métis individuals as a form of redress for their land rights being disregarded during the formation of Canada. Land scrip gave the Métis the ability to select land, typically in the western provinces, where they could settle and develop their own communities.
2. Money Scrip: Money scrip, on the other hand, provided Métis individuals with monetary compensation rather than land. In this case, the government offered individuals a set amount of money, typically based on the number of acres of land that would have been granted under land scrip. Money scrip was often seen as a less desirable option since it did not offer the same opportunities for self-sufficiency and connection to the land.
In terms of value, the amount of land or money received through scrip varied. The specific value of scrip was typically determined by the government and fluctuated over time. The value of land scrip often depended on factors such as location, quality of the land, and demand, whereas money scrip usually represented a fixed monetary sum.
The Métis people obtained scrip through various means. Government agents or commissioners were appointed to issue scrip to eligible Métis individuals. They would often travel to Métis communities or set up specific locations where individuals could apply for and receive their scrip. Métis individuals had to prove their Métis ancestry and provide evidence of their connection to the specific territory or region in order to be eligible for scrip. The process could be complex and bureaucratic, and there were instances of fraud, corruption, and discrimination in the issuance of scrip.
Overall, while both land scrip and money scrip were forms of compensation for Métis individuals, land scrip provided the opportunity for land ownership and settlement, whereas money scrip offered monetary compensation. Both types of scrip had varying values and the Métis people obtained them through government-appointed agents or commissioners.