Premier Redford celebrates Metis Settlements 75th anniversary

August 15, 2013

Alberta’s kick off their 75th anniversary celebrations at Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement today. Premier Alison Redford, Minister of Aboriginal Relations Robin Campbell, and Associate Minister of Persons with Disabilities Frank Oberle will all participate in the event this weekend as a part of the Building Alberta Tour.

“On behalf of Albertans, I’d like to congratulate the Metis Settlements General Council and all eight Metis Settlements on reaching this historic milestone,” said Premier Redford, the first Premier to visit the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. “It is truly an honour and a privilege to be the Premier of a province that has continually shown leadership by recognizing the unique status of Metis people. We all should be proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the last 75 years.”

Since the creation of the Population Betterment Act in 1938 which established Metis Settlements, Alberta has been a national leader by recognizing the unique status of Metis people. In 1989, Alberta and the Metis Settlements signed a historic accord which led to a unique form of governance through the transfer of land to the Metis Settlements, along with a financial package to begin to close the socio-economic gap. Alberta even amended, for the first time, its constitution to protect those lands. Alberta continues to be the only province in Canada with a dedicated land base and unique governance structure in provincial legislation for Metis people.

“I encourage all Albertans to understand and recognize the history of the Metis Settlements,” said Minister Campbell. “Settlement Councils have shown tremendous leadership when it comes to improving accountability, governance and the long-term sustainability of their communities with the signing of the earlier this year. I look forward to our continued work together and extend my congratulations on their 75th anniversary.”

“Having the Premier and the celebrations in Paddle Prairie is a great privilege. Congratulations to the people of Paddle Prairie on hosting this historic occasion,” said Associate Minister Oberle.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Erika Barootes Office of the Premier of Alberta 780-975-0136 Erika.Barootes@gov.ab.ca

Kevin Zahara Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Relations 780-638-4510 kevin.zahara@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

NT5