Overview

In 1985, the Alberta Legislature unanimously endorsed a resolution to transfer lands to the Metis Settlements and establish new legislation which provided Métis Settlements with greater local autonomy.

The Alberta-Metis Settlements Accord was signed in 1989. Alberta is home of the only recognized Métis land base in Canada.

Metis Settlements General Council

Established by the Metis Settlements Act, the Metis Settlements General Council (MSGC) deals with matters that affect the collective interests of the 8 Metis Settlements.

Municipal Grants Programs

Metis Settlements are eligible to apply for Government of Alberta grants directed to municipalities.

In total, there are 22 municipal grant programs, which can be a significant source of revenue for Métis Settlements.

The Alberta Municipal Affairs' Municipal Grants Web Portal provides many resources, including:

  • information about grant programs
  • program guidelines
  • application forms
  • reporting documents

Organizations and support

Metis Settlements have support through 3 additional governance entities:

Agreements and arrangements

Co-Management Agreement

The original Co-Management Agreement (CMA) was signed by the Minister of Energy, the eight Metis Settlements, and the MSGC in 1990.

The CMA established the processes for sub-surface mineral exploration on the Metis Settlements.

Alberta maintained ownership of mines and minerals but the CMA allowed the Settlements to negotiate:

  • a royalty with an oil and gas development company with a secured mineral lease under Metis Settlement lands
  • an equity participation with the successful bidder on a mineral lease up to 25% in any development

The following amendments were made to the CMA in May 2013.

  • The opportunity for a 100% owned Metis Settlement Corporation to secure a direct purchase from Alberta Energy for a mineral lease, outside of the public offering process.
  • The right of a 100% owned Metis Settlement Corporation to bid on public offering mineral leases.
  • The requirement for benefits proposals, which describe the benefits that the operator proposes to the Metis Settlement, as part of an operator’s bid in the public offering process.

Long-Term Governance and Funding Arrangements

On March 12, 2013, the Premier, Minister of Indigenous Relations and the President of the MSGC signed the Long-Term Governance and Funding Arrangements.

The 10-year landmark agreement commits $85 million from Alberta and $28.5 million from the MSGC for initiatives aimed at:

  • strengthening the Settlements’ governance, accountability and sustainability
  • increasing education, employment and economic opportunities
  • improving infrastructure and essential services
  • creating safe and healthy communities, including dedicating an RCMP officer for each of the eight Metis Settlements
  • enhancing the productive relationship between the Government of Alberta and the Metis Settlements

Contact

To connect with Indigenous Relations:

Search in the Government of Alberta organizational directory for individual ministry staff members in all regions of the province.

Address for mail/courier:

Indigenous Relations
19th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 102 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4G8