Metis lands put on back burner

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A move by the Federation of Metis Settlements (FMS) to have the Alberta government transfer Metis Settlement lands in fee simple to the Metis people of Alberta received a minor setback when the Alberta legislature tabled a draft proposal, Resolution 18.

The resolution, cooperatively prepared by the government and the FMS requires an amendment to the Metis Settlement Act and the Alberta Act before it can become law, said Solicitor General Ken Rostad.

Rostad reported that his government does "remain committed to reaching a resolution that satisfies their (FMS) desire for territorial integrity and allows us to fulfill our provincial obligations . . . in 1987."

The draft proposal provides the basis for eventual provincial legislation that would turn over the Settlement lands to the Metis and constitutionally entrench and, therefore, protect such lands.

Rostad's statements before the House did not come as any great surprise to the Federation according to board member Albert Wanuch from Paddle Prairie.

"We had expected that to happen," he said, because the Federation was aware that this session of the House was drawing to a close and the proposal would likely have to wait until the House resumes again in the fall.

Not one to lose sight of an opportunity, opposition leader Ray Martin wasted no time in expressing concern and "frustration at how long it seems to be taking" the province to deal with and resolve the land question of the Alberta's Metis people.

Martin, however, did commend the government for its efforts, pointing out that the resolution "made a lot of sense and it had been worked upon by the (Metis) people that were affected." But, after outlining his interests to see Alberta provide sub-surface rights as well, Martin took a brief shot at the Getty government.

"Perhaps," Martin chided, "This government could start to look a little different in the constitutional talks about Aboriginal rights because Alberta, along with British Columbia and Saskatchewan, is getting a reputation that isn't particularly good as far as this whole area goes."

Should Alberta ultimately entrench Metis land rights in Alberta Act, "it will be a credit to the government," concluded Martin.

Rostad praised the past efforts of Municipal Affairs Minister Neil Crawford whose "long-standing commitment to the Metis Settlements, and Native Albertans in general, is well known."

He further praised the work of the executive members of the FMS over the past year and declared "that self-determination for Alberta's Native peoples can be achieved in Alberta by Albertans working together."

For now, the Federation appears content to go with the flow. They realize that nothing is resolved overnight and that the wheels of bureaucracy move slowly at times.