Prepared as a working document for officials of the Alberta (Canada) government, this report reviews the Metis Betterment Act and regulations made under the Act with one goal being to ensure that any proposals for a new Act would place the major responsibility for the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the settlements firmly on the shoulders of the settlements themselves. Chapter 1 provides the historical setting and context for the existing Metis Betterment Act. Chapter 2 describes the composition, mandate, and work of the MacEwan Joint Committee. Chapter 3, the bulk of the report, makes recommendations for legislation and gives the rationale for the recommendations. Specific topics include settlement governing bodies, powers of settlement councils, membership in settlements, financial and resources matters, and transition from old to proposed legislation. Chapter 4 makes recommendations for new policies to be implemented and revisions to existing policies as they relate to Metis settlements and the Metis people on the settlements. Recommendations fall in the categories of education, culture, social services and community health, energy and natural resources, and general programs. Chapter 5 sets forth the conclusions of the joint committee stressing the unique nature and needs of the Metis culture and lifestyle. (JHZ)