Recent Publication                  Edmonton launch

The Alberta Métis Letters

1930-1940 Policy Review and Annotations

By Denis Wall 

219 pages

Introduction by Hon. Pearl Calahasen

former Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

 

» a related web site: content synopsis

 

Some hard copies available -306-295-0101

 

click to enlarge

ISBN 978-0-9809026-0-0

Soft cover, perfect bound

12 colour plates of letters

219 pages

Retail: $30.00 CDN + GST

 

.PDF Digital Version

ISBN 978-0-9809026-2-4

.pdf version available - email - for details.

 

Supported by

Alberta Historical Resources Foundation

 

(Alberta) Métis Settlements General Council

 

Glenbow Museum and Archives 

Provincial Archives of Alberta 

 

and by 

 

Assistance also provided by the Banff Centre, Leighton Studios.

 

About the Contents

About the author

Front Matter / Table of Contents (pdf  180kb)

The Policy Review

In an approach that allows the writers of letters, reports, proposals and policy to speak for themselves, the book covers the critical decade of the 1930s in which the first definitive provincial Métis policy in Canada was produced.. The review includes:

• Alberta Métis-provincial (intergovernmental) policy relationships.

• The first years of the Métis Association of Alberta.

• The initial development of the Alberta Métis Settlements.

• Roles of Alberta Métis leaders (Dion, Brady, Norris, Tomkins), politicians and bureaucrats in provincial Métis policy development.

The Annotations

• Includes detailed annotations of 370 letters, reports, memos, proposals from the Glenbow Museum (Calgary) and the Provincial Archives of Alberta (Edmonton) written by key participants of the day.  This section is a significant research tool and finding aid.

Reviews/Commentary

From the Introduction

As an Albertan, a Métis person, and an elected representative of all Albertans, the relationship between Métis Albertans and the Government of Alberta has always been a source of pride for me. Albertans have shown the rest of Canada, and the world, what can be done when men and women, no matter what their backgrounds, work together toward the common objective of improving the quality of life of their fellow citizens. "The Alberta Métis Letters" is an important record of the history of Métis people in Alberta and will contribute to a greater understanding of the vibrant past, present and future relationship between Métis people and the Government of Alberta. The Hon. Pearl Calahasen, former Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

What has been said about The Alberta Métis Letters

 "I am amazed at the level of detail. ...an excellent framework for research on the early history of the Metis Association/Nation of Alberta ... in addition to its value as a detailed finding aid." Jonathan Davidson, Reference Archivist, Provincial Archives of Alberta

 " ... very relevant not only to the Metis communities in Alberta, but to Canadianists and those interested in Aboriginal history and Aboriginal-state relations." Dr. Donna Patrick, Professor, School of Canadian Studies, Carleton University