Métis Timeline – Key Events and Notes

Red River Resistance

A movement led by Louis Riel to defend Métis land rights in the Red River Settlement.

Manitoba Act (1870)

Legislation that created Manitoba as a province and guaranteed land and language rights for the Métis.

Dominion Land Act (1872)

A Canadian law allowing government land grants to settlers, ignoring Métis land claims.

Northwest Territories Act (1875)

Established legal authority over the Northwest Territories, threatening Métis land ownership.

Northwest Resistance (1885)

Second armed conflict led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont to protect Métis land and culture.

Métis Establish Farms in St. Paul (1896-1910)

Period when landless Métis established farms in St. Paul, Alberta, marking permanent settlements.

First Métis Settlement (1938)

The first official Métis settlement established in Alberta in response to poor living conditions.

Métis Betterment Act (1940-1960)

Alberta law to improve conditions for Métis, creating colonies with reserved land.

Constitution Act (1982)

Legislation that included Section 35 recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights, including Métis rights.

Métis Act (1990)

Legislation that granted self-governance and land rights to Métis settlements.

Powley Decision (2003)

Supreme Court ruling that recognized Métis harvesting rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.

Métis Harvesting Rights (2004)

Supreme Court ruling confirming rights of Métis to harvest natural resources for food.

Land Claims and Métis Citizenship (2006)

Métis filed land claims to regain territories and promote citizenship rights.

Red River Métis Recognition & Implementation Treaty (2025)

A self-government treaty empowering Métis to pass laws reflecting their needs and preserving identity.