Alexander Macdonell of Greenfield was from a prominent family in Upper Canada. He was the fourth son of Alexander Macdonell of Greenfield and Janet Macdonell of Aberchalder. He was also the cousin and brother-in-law of Miles MacDonell, the first governor of the Red River Colony. Alexander worked as a fur trader and became a partner of the North West Company becoming very interested in the rights of the Métis with whom he worked. He was the first to refer to the Métis as becoming a nation when he wrote to Duncan Cameron that “The New Nation under their leaders are coming forward to clear their native soil of intruders and assassins”. Additionally Alexander played a role in the development of Métis identity by "giving them shape and direction". Alongside Cameron he was also instrumental in Cuthbert Grant initially being appointed as one of the "captains of the Métis", and eventually “Captain-General of all the Half-Breeds.” According to writer George Woodcock, prior to 1814 there was nothing to suggest that Grant saw the Métis as a nation, or gave any thought to their cause, or even identified himself with them. During the Pemmican War Alexander dispatched Cuthbert Grant and 25 Métis to plunder the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Brandon House. In 1814 Alexander gave the Métis peoples the Métis flag as a gift. According to Peter Fidler the flag was first flown by the Métis at Fort Qu'Appelle the following year, and was later flown in June 1816 at the Battle of Seven Oaks. In 1819 a book titled "A Narrative of the Transactions in the RedRiver Country from the commencement of the operations of the Earl of Selkirk till the summer of 1816" was published in London, England under his name. In 1821 following the forced merger of the North West Company with The Hudson's Bay Company Alexander returned to Upper Canada becoming a political figure. He served in the 8th Parliament of Upper Canada and 9th Parliament of Upper Canada in the riding of Glengarry and in the 12th Parliament in the riding of Prescott. Another Alexander Macdonell also served in the riding of Glengarry during several parliaments, including the 6th Parliament; he succeeded Alexander MacDonell of Greenfield's brother, John MacDonell. In 1822 Alexander became the Sheriff of the Ottawa District, a position he held until his death in 1835. Through his daughter Margaret he is a great-great grandfather of Métis Elder George R. D. Goulet.
