Holding onto Home: A Historical Narrative of the Metis in Alberta

This article pulls a thick thread around the story of a Metis man who lived his life on disputed territory in Northern Alberta; the thread exteds to bring forward historical events impacting the lives of all Alberta Metis during the early 1900s and into the present. Negative attitudes towards Metis people in the 1930s are described briefly, and shown as being foundational for ensuing documents, actions, and agreements between governments and Metis. The article urges public understanding of Metis histories, experiences, and contributions based on Metis perspectives, rather than reliance upon misinformed/uninformed interpretations. Strained connections between Metis values and government policies undergird a narrative of constant, historical tensions impacting Metis lives. The story of enforced removal of Metis people from their homes provides a metaphoric context that extends the life and being of the Metis man who refused to leave his homeland, shattering government claims of Metis people's limited capacity for self-government. The article calls for deep acknowledgement of Metis stories and experiences as the primary forces holding Metis people together in survival against on-going government supported oppression and dependency.