Item iw-glen-784 - Metis Association of Alberta - Joussard convention

L'Association des Metis d'Alberta et des Territories du Nord Ouest was established on December 18, 1932 under the leadership of Joe Dion. The aims, according to Dion, were "the reinstatement of the Metis race, to properly educate the Metis children, and take care of the sick." Through the group's efforts, the Metis Betterment Act was passed and Metis colonies had been established by 1940. In May 1940 the name was changed to the Metis Association of Alberta. The association was relatively inactive for the next 20 years. On November 20, 1961 MAA was incorporated and Adrian Hope became president. In 1967 Stan Daniels became president, and under his leadership MAA grew from a relatively obscure organization to one with over 3000 members in 60 locals, and considerable political clout. The objectives of the association, as amended in 1969, are "to advance at all possible occasions the interests of the Metis People, and coordinate the efforts of the Metis people for the purpose of promoting their common interests through collective action." MAA has undertaken several significant surveys about the living conditions of Alberta's Metis, has lobbied for improved housing, education, and economic conditions, and has helped members with land claims. In the early 1990s the name was changed to the Metis Nation of Alberta. For further information see The Dynamics of Native Politics : The Alberta Metis Experience / Joe Sawchuk. -- Saskatoon : Purich Publishing, 1998.