What occurred with the twelve temporary Métis settlements during 1940-1980?

• A. They did not give Métis control of land; when four settlements proved unsuitable, they were closed and land returned to the government.
• B. They became permanent, self-governing settlements in 1980.
• C. They expanded to northern Alberta.
• D. They led to immediate Métis sovereignty over oil resources.

Answer: (B)

The focus is on how land policy for Métis communities in Alberta changed over time, moving from temporary arrangements to lasting, self-governing settlements. The twelve settlements were set up during mid-20th century as temporary land bases for Métis families. In 1980, Alberta formalized their status by making them permanent settlements with their own governing councils and the authority to manage land and local affairs. This gave Métis communities real governance and stability, rather than continuing as short‑term or government-run projects.

The other options don’t fit because the settlements were not simply closed and returned to the government, they did not expand as a policy into northern Alberta, and they did not grant immediate sovereignty over oil resources. The correct one captures the move to permanent, self-governing status in 1980.