Summary of Metis Self-Government Principles and Parameters

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The following points are viewed by the Metis Association of Alberta as the "reference text and guide for upcoming discussions with the province and the federal government":

1. Principles of Metis Self-Government in Alberta

- there should be legal recognition of democratic political institutions established by the Metis people of Alberta;

- this legal recognition should include the power of Metis political institutions established the Metis people of Alberta;

- Metis political institutions should be vested with authority appropriate to their circumstances; and

- there should be adequate resourcing of Metis political institutions.

2. Parameters of Metis Self-Government in Alberta

a) Institutional Parameters (proposed Metis Governing Bodies)

- Alberta Metis Authority

- Lesser Slave Lake Metis Authority

- Peace River Metis Authority

- Yellowhead Metis Authority

- St. Paul Metis Authority

- Edmonton Metis Authority

- Southern Alberta Metis Authority

- Alberta Metis Tribunal

b) Jurisdictional Parameters (powers of Metis Governing Bodies)

- to enact bylaws establishing policies and procedures which will govern the design, administration and delivery of programs and services in areas such as educational and training, economic development ad social services;

- to establish Land planning Commissions to negotiate a land base and its form and tenure on behalf of those Metis without land;

- the powers of Metis provincial and regional authorities should be worked out through negotiated agreements which should be given constitutional protection so that these posers can be changed only with the mutual consent of Metis and government.

c) Fiscal Parameters (financing of Metis Self-Governing Bodies)

- unconditional transfer payments such as federal equalization payments for the administration of Metis governing bodies, core operations;

- conditional or per capita transfer payments from provincial and federal government for ongoing programs and service delivery by Metis regional and provincial authorities;

- a heritage fund created from non-renewable resource revenue generated on

Metis lands to be used in capitalizing Metis financial institutions and economic development corporations.

3. Metis Participation in Public Institutions of Government

- Metis people should be guaranteed representation n the Alberta Legislature in proportion to their numbers, taking into account other factors such as the demographic distribution;

- the creation of the three Metis electoral constituencies for the purpose of electing Metis representatives to the Alberta Legislature and the compilation of a Metis Electoral Roll in each constituency;

- an amendment to the Alberta Act to guarantee Metis representation in the Alberta Legislature.

4. A Process for Resolving Metis Self-Governing Rights

- discussions between the MAA and the province should be guided by a framework agreement providing for the development of sub-agreements through which the roles and requirements of Metis governing bodies and their participation in the design, administration and delivery of programs and services can be worked out

on a sectoral basis and within a specified time frame.

- framework agreement should include a consultative mechanism such as joint committee of Alberta ministers and MAA leadership to monitor and direct discussions;

a) infrastructure of Metis authorities;

b) education and training;' institution and authorities;

c) economic development, institutions and authorities;

d) land use and resource development;

e) social services, institutions and authorities;

f) resourcing Metis authorities.

- the main elements of sub-agreements can form the basis of a self-government agreement which could be given constitutional protection.