Métis Association of Alberta
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The Métis have a long history of being independent and individualistic, but in the late 1930s they joined together to call for improvements in their treatment from the government. The Métis Association of Alberta was formed with the leadership of the Treaty Indian, Joe Dion, and the Métis, Jim Brady, Malcolm Norris, and Peter Tomkins.
The Métis Association of Alberta had its first convention in 1932. The protests made by the Métis Association of Alberta to the government led to the 1935 federal government appointing the Half-Breed Commission that was later known as the Ewing Commission. This commission made the recommendation that the Métis should be given land that had timber and agricultural resources. This land would be used to set up Métis colonies that would provide improvement in health, education, and welfare of their people.
The Alberta government appointed a supervisor that worked with a Métis advisory council.
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The 1938 Métis Betterment Act passed by the Alberta legislature cleared the way for the establishment of 12 colonies in northern Alberta. The colonies that were established in the Peace River included Paddle Prairie, Gift Lake (Utikuma Lake), Peavine (Big Prairie), and East Prairie.
Most Métis families do not live on the settlements today, as they have found opportunities in other communities like Peace River, Grande Prairie, Grande Cache, High Level, Fort St. John, Lac La Biche, St. Paul, Fort McMurray, and Edmonton.
The Métis Association of Alberta has been renamed the Métis Nation. This change of name reflects the changes in the political voice of the Métis as many have made applications for a treaty under Bill C-31. A treaty for the Métis would provide them with benefits like advanced education and support for small businesses.
The Métis were recognized in section 35 of the 1982 Constitution Act. Although the 1982 Constitution Act acknowledged the Aboriginal rights of the Métis, it was not until 2003 that the Supreme Court of Canada gave them that right. The R. versus Powley decision confirmed the Aboriginal status of the Métis, which included the right to hunt.