Métis Population Betterment Act facts for kids

The Métis Population Betterment Act was a law passed in 1938 by the government of Alberta, Canada. This act aimed to improve life for the Métis people by setting aside special land areas for them. It created a group of Métis and government members to work together. They planned out twelve areas where Métis families could live and build their communities. The goal was to help the Métis and the government cooperate to make life better for everyone.

What Was the Métis Population Betterment Act?

The Métis Population Betterment Act was a special law in Alberta. It was created in 1938 to help the Métis people. The Métis are an Indigenous group in Canada with unique history and culture. This law set up a committee, which is like a small team. This team included both Métis people and government officials. Their job was to find and map out lands for Métis communities.

Why Was This Act Created?

The main reason for the act was to improve the lives of Métis people. The government wanted to work with the Métis. They hoped to create places where Métis families could live and thrive. The idea was to build a lasting partnership. This partnership would help the Métis community grow and get stronger.

How Did the Act Change Over Time?

In 1940, some parts of the act were changed. These changes reduced how much control the Métis had over their own affairs. They were still in charge of living on the land and managing timber. But other important decisions were now made more by the government.

What Support Did Métis Communities Receive?

Over the next ten years, the Métis communities received money from the government. This money helped them build important things. They built schools for children and roads for travel. They also built new houses for families. The funds also supported activities like commercial fishing and cutting timber. These activities helped people earn a living.

What Happened to the Land Settlements?

It became clear that some of the land given to the Métis was not enough. People found it hard to make a living on these lands. Because of this, some of these settlements were eventually closed down. By 1960, only eight of the original twelve land areas were still held by the Métis people.

See also

• Métis in Alberta