Metis Settlements General Council

The Alberta Metis Settlements were initially established in 1938 following an Alberta provincial enquiry known as the Ewing Commission. This enquiry was initiated as a result of Metis leadership lobbying the provincial government to set aside lands for Metis settlers. The Commission enquired into the socio-economic conditions faced by Metis in Alberta and resulted in a series of recommendations to establish Metis colonies throughout central and northern Alberta. The Government of Alberta accepted these recommendations and eventually established 12 colonies (Settlements). By 1960, four of those Settlements had been rescinded by the Government of Alberta (Cold Lake, Touchwood, Marlboro, Wolf Lake). The remaining eight Settlements (Paddle Prairie, Peavine, Gift Lake, East Prairie, Buffalo Lake, Kikino, Elizabeth, Fishing Lake) continue to be vibrant Metis communities. In 1989 the province and the Metis Settlements signed the Alberta-Metis Settlement Accord which defined the principles ...