Resolution 18 Incorporated (1985)
The Premier of Alberta, Peter Lougheed, felt that Métis issues should
be resolved through provincial, not federal initiatives. While over the
years the Métis settlements and the Province had strong differences, the
MacEwan report provided recommendations that would help the Métis
achieve self-government.
The Alberta government and the Federation of Métis Settlements took a
"made in Alberta" approach that would provide a constitutionally
protected land base and provide democratic criteria for land allocation
and membership to Métis settlements. Through an amendment to the Alberta
Act, Métis settlement lands were protected. In 1985, the Alberta
Legislative Assembly incorporated Resolution 18. The Resolution called
for transfer of settlement lands to the existing eight Métis settlement
associations. Transfer was subject to reservation of mines and minerals
to the province.
Following Resolution 18, the Federation of Métis Settlements
undertook developing criteria for landholding systems and
self-government. Powers of the General Council and the settlement
councils and the accessibility of membership to the settlements had to
be resolved. With the assistance of the MacEwan report and Resolution
18, further negotiations, debates, delays, and proposals occurred
between the Alberta government and the Federation.
SIDE BAR: For an excellent detailed history of Alberta government and
Métis legislative activities, please refer to Alberta's Métis
Settlements Legislation, An Overview of Ownership and Management of
Settlement Lands, by Catherine E. Bell.
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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 |