Author Description

<p>This document begins by recounting some of the main historical events, especially the proximate events, that led to the formation of the Alberta Metis settlements. It discusses the legal status of the settlements, and examines the government and politics of the settlements from a perspective that takes account of extralegal political realities. It also focuses on the composition, organization, and activities of the local governments of the settlements, and the settlement council. It examines the structure and functioning of the government agency with which the settlement councils and the FMSA have had the most frequent dealings, the MDB of the Alberta Dept. of Municipal Affairs. Through extensive interviews conducted on two of the settlements, it reveals something of the political attitudes, opinions, and activities of settlers. It addresses the issue of self-government, and provides a description of the complex discussions and negotiations that have taken place between Metis and government officials.</p>