Issues and Challenges: 20th Century
For the Métis in Alberta, the 20th century marked a struggle for
historical and cultural recognition. No longer content to be an
impoverished and forgotten people, the Métis in Alberta began to organize
with the purpose of gaining legal status as a distinct society.
A significant turn in modern Métis political activism occurred with the
formation of L'Association des Métis D' Alberta et des Territories du Nord
Quest in 1932. This group, led by Métis political activists such as Joseph
Dion and Malcolm Norris, acted as a advocate through which the Métis
people could formally air their grievances. The petitions by L’Association
des Métis prompted provincial government response in the appointment of
the Ewing Commission in 1934, and would ultimately give rise to the Métis
Population Betterment Act, enacted in 1938.
These were the first steps in a long process of change for the Métis in
Alberta, change that spanned decades, and lead to the development and
recognition of the first official Métis Settlements in Canada. [Top] [Back] |
Metis Association of Alberta
(1932)
Ewing Commission (1934-1936)
The Metis Betterment Act (1938)
The Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements Formed (1973)
MacEwan Joint Metis-Government Committee (1982-1984)
Resolution 18 Incorporated (1985)
Metis Settlements Accord Adopted (1989)
Metis Settlements General Council
Metis Rights: Regina vs. Powley
Who Are Metis?
Harvesting Rights for Alberta's Metis |