A Metis homeland in Alberta. A Constitutional first in Canada.
Across 1.25 million acres are eight communities, populated by the women and men of the Fathers of Federation and those before them, each connected by the vision for self-government and self-determination. The first and only Metis self-government in Canada, recognized constitutionally as a distinct and protected people, the Metis Settlements are a vital and rich part of our Canadian cultural identity.
Circa 1935, ‘The Big Five’, Provincial Executive Committee who helped make history.
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Protecting a way of life for all generations will be our legacy.
For the thousands who call the Settlements home, our culture is a way of life. We hunt, fish and farm as we always have, even as traditions give way to modern conveniences and more of our young people explore opportunities in university, college, and abroad. All roads lead back home. Our history, languages, leadership and wisdom are shared down the generations as the food of life for every new Metis child born today.
Important Documents
Meet the Fathers of the Federation
Historical figures whose names are lesser known than the names Riel or Dumont, but no less important in realizing the vision of a Metis homeland. Read more…
We are the bridge between worlds, European and Indigenous
Generations of Metis have called the Settlements home, building what we have today. New generations carry this legacy for equality and freedom with them into the future. Our eternal promise to protecting our land and culture is stitched into the Metis flag, and woven into the heart of every settlement Metis.
Important Documents
See the latest history-making news here.
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Follow the history of the Metis Settlements
Defined by the dedication and courage of men and women once derided as ‘The Road Allowance People’.
1895
First Metis Settlement was established, St. Paul des Metis was formed by the federal government.
1905
St. Paul des Metis was terminated for public homesteading.
1932
Association des Metis D’Alberta et des Territories du Nord Quest formed by Metis leaders to lobby government on behalf of their people (name later changed to Metis Association of Alberta [MAA]).
1935
Ewing Commission funded by Alberta Government to investigate conditions of Alberta Metis in response to MAA’s requests for government intervention.
1938
Population Betterment Act passed by Alberta Legislature, forming 12 Metis Settlements.
1950s
Four Settlements dissolved (Touchwood, Marlboro, Cold Lake and Wolf Lake).
1975
The Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements (AFMS) became a registered society under the Societies Act of Alberta making the AFMS a legal entity.
1982
MacEwan Committee formed to investigate the situation of Metis Settlements; recommended that Metis be given more control over their destiny.
1989
Metis Settlements Accord adopted: framework for land and self-government. Legislated package: Constitution of Alberta Amendment Act, Metis Settlements Land Protection Act, Metis Settlements Act, and Metis Settlements Accord Implementation Act.
1990
Metis Settlements Legislation passed by Alberta Government on November 1. Federation of Metis Settlements officially becomes the Metis Settlements General Council.
Our children are our future.
Building for them and educating them are two of our highest priorities. It’s for them that we continue to advocate for Metis rights and freedoms. We’re putting more tools in the hands of new leaders with new opportunities to grow and succeed. So far, it’s working. There are more college and university graduates from Settlements than ever before. Three generations of Metis leaders have helped each new generation aspire, each prospering from the fruits of self-government, self-determination, and the freethinking men and women who came before.
Important Documents
“The poor will be hit the hardest by climate change. We’re taking a stand to help change that.”
The leader of the Settlements’ Climate Change Initiative explains how her team has a strategy to protect the land and the most vulnerable.
President’s Corner
President’s Corner Since the last President’s Corner, MSGC has presented at the United Nations, met with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, and begun the review and implementation of policy changes.
Take a look at the May 2018 edition!
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