Métis Nation of Alberta facts for kids

The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is a group that represents Métis people in Alberta, Canada. It is a registered not-for-profit organization. This means it works for the benefit of its members, not to make money.

The MNA was started in 1928. Back then, it was called the Métis Association of Alberta. Some of its main founders were Felice Callihoo, Joseph Dion, James P. Brady, Malcolm Norris, and Peter Tompkins.

Today, the MNA is led by a President who is chosen by a vote. Andrea Sandmaier became President in 2023. There are also elected representatives for Métis women and youth. Plus, 22 other representatives are chosen from different areas. All these leaders together form the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

The MNA helps Métis people in many ways. It works on issues like finding jobs, supporting families, and dealing with land agreements. It also protects the rights of Métis people, which are recognized in Canada's laws. The MNA has over 50,000 registered citizens.

Understanding the Métis Nation

The Métis Nation is a unique Indigenous group in North America. Their homeland covers a large area in what is now central and western Canada.

The Métis People and Their Homeland

By the early 1800s, the Métis Nation had grown into a distinct group. They developed their own identity, language (Michif), culture, and ways of governing themselves. Their homeland stretches across parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and even into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the northern United States.

How the MNA Was Formed

Since the early 1900s, Métis people in Alberta have worked together. They formed groups to speak up for their rights and interests. In 1928, Felice Callihoo and others started the group that would become the Métis Nation of Alberta. This group was created to help the Métis Nation in Alberta gain recognition for their self-government and rights.

Getting Land for Métis Communities

In 1934, the MNA asked the Alberta government for help. The government then set up a "Half-breed Commission." This group looked into issues like Métis health, education, and land. The MNA leaders attended these meetings regularly.

After two years, the Commission suggested that the province give Métis people a secure land base and good services. In 1938, Alberta passed the Métis Population Betterment Act. This law created 12 original Métis colonies. Some of these colonies were later changed or removed.

Becoming a Formal Organization

In 1961, the MNA officially became a registered organization. This was important because governments started offering money to Indigenous groups. To get this money, groups needed to be legally recognized. The MNA's leaders chose to register so they could get funding and support their self-government efforts.

Working Together for Métis Settlements

In 1975, another group called the Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements Association (FMS) was formed. It aimed to give the remaining Métis colonies a united voice. The FMS worked with the Alberta government to improve life on the eight Métis colonies.

These discussions led to the Alberta-Metis Settlements Accord in 1989. The next year, Alberta passed the Metis Settlements Act. This law gave the Metis Settlements General Council full ownership of the lands for what are now the Métis Settlements. This was a big step for all Métis in Alberta.

Moving Towards Self-Government

The MNA keeps a list of its citizens in Alberta. This list is supported by the federal government. In 2017, the MNA and Canada signed an agreement. This agreement started talks about the Métis Nation in Alberta governing itself.

On June 27, 2019, they signed another agreement. This one recognized the MNA as the government of the Métis Nation within Alberta. It also set out how this recognition would become official in Canadian law.

Recent Challenges and a New Constitution

In 2020, some local groups decided to leave the MNA. They started a new group called the Alberta Metis Federation. This happened while the MNA was also having a disagreement with the Manitoba Metis Federation.

In 2021, the MNA took the province to court. They were upset that talks about a Métis Consultation Policy had stopped. In 2022, a judge ruled that the government could stop the talks. The judge also noted that the MNA had not clearly shown who speaks for all Métis people not living on settlements.

In December 2022, MNA members voted to approve their new Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution. However, some groups have challenged this document in court.

On February 24, 2023, the MNA signed another agreement with the Canadian government. This agreement was about recognizing and putting into action the Métis Nation's self-government in Alberta. Again, some groups have challenged this agreement in court.

How the MNA Is Organized

The Métis Nation of Alberta is led by elected officials. These include the President, a Women's Representative, and a Youth Representative. There are also 22 Citizens' Representatives and District Captains elected from different regions. Together, they form the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

The MNA has different departments that handle various issues. These include jobs, child services, land agreements, and Métis rights. Each department has a Secretary who is part of the Citizens' Council. These Secretaries meet with government officials and other important people.

The MNA divides Alberta into 22 Districts. Each District has its own Citizens' Representative and District Captain.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Cabinet

The Cabinet is made up of leaders who oversee different areas of work for the Métis Nation.

Métis Settlements General Council

The Métis of Alberta are the only Métis in Canada with their own land base that is protected by law. There are eight Métis Settlements. They cover about 1.4 million acres. This land was officially granted in 1990. It is owned by the community through the Métis Settlements General Council. This Council is the main governing body for these Métis Territories.

The eight Settlements are:

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