Home >> The People and Their Communities >> Issues and Challenges: 20th Century >> The Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements Formed (1973)

The Alberta Federation of Métis Settlements was formed in 1973, under the leadership of founding fathers Adrian Hope, Maurice L'Hirondelle, Lawrence Desjarlais, Sam Johnson, and Richard Poitras. Some sources indicate that the Alberta Federation of Métis Settlements was formed in 1971. Another source has it being formed in 1975, when in fact, the Federation was "incorporated" under the Societies Act on May 28, 1975.

The Federation was formed to fight for Métis land security and to obtain local legislative authority. They particularly wanted to take control away from the provincial Métis Development Branch. After years of seeking legal recognition as a distinct people, Canada's Métis were finally explicitly identified. In 1982, the existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples received constitutional protection. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 states:

1. The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.
2. In this Act, "aboriginal peoples of Canada" includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

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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