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The Métis Nation of Alberta mourns the passing of Alberta’s 11^th Premier Donald Ross “Don” Getty. The former Alberta premier was a true champion of the Métis people. Mr. Getty was instrumental in the passing of the Métis Settlements Act in 1990, which turned over control of 1.25 million acres of land to eight Métis Settlements creating the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC). Mr. Getty additionally oversaw the signing of the first Government of Alberta-Métis Nation of Alberta Framework Agreement in 1987. The Framework Agreement was to be the first step towards self-government for the 50,000+ Metis living off a Métis Settlement in Alberta. A key goal of the Framework Agreement was to establish practical methods of achieving Métis self-government and to work towards improved opportunities for Métis in Alberta.

In Don Getty, Métis Albertans found a steadfast friend – a man who worked tirelessly to implement enlightened policies that benefited Métis people province-wide. MNA President Audrey Poitras remarked that “Mr. Getty’s legacy will never be forgotten. We will always remember his great contributions towards Métis rights in Alberta.”