This study of the eight Metis settlements in northern Alberta examines their history, legal status, government and politics, external and internal organizations, the issue of self-government and the opinions and attitudes of residents on a number of topics, and presents an unconventional approach to native self government.

This handbook gives you an insight into some of the struggles that the Metis people have faced in the past and the incentive to continue striving to attain a more fulfiling life.

"On 1 November 1990, the government of Alberta enacted legislation to enable Metis ownership and government of Alberta's Metis settlement lands. This book explores the legislative history of the Metis settlements and constitutional issues arising from Alberta's initiative."--Cover.

In the 1930s, impoverished, landless Alberta Métis united to form a political movement. The aim of its members was to gain title to the land they had historically occupied. The movement's leaders also hoped to use the land issue as a catalyst to revive a nationalist consciousness among Métis. Viewing aboriginal political organization as a threat, the Alberta government appointed a Royal Commission to diffuse this challenge. Ostensibly an investigation of Métis destitution, the Ewing Commission served as a blue print to assimilate the Métis. This project examines how the Commission, underpinned by racist discourses, was able to redraw the land issue as a failure of the Métis to adapt to white society. By reframing arguments and redirecting blame, the Commissioners were able to justify creation of a land relief program that would not only act as a tool of assimilation but effectively absorb Métis political ambitions.