ConsЯcons
2013-01-08 16:27:44 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Metis and other non-status aboriginals now 'Indian'
More than 400,000 Metis will now be considered "Indian" and part of the
federal government's jurisdiction.
A Federal Court ruling on Tuesday gives the Metis and another
approximately 200,000 non-status aboriginals the same standing as First
Nation and Inuit peoples under the 1982 Constitution Act.
"(This) case will hopefully end this shameful federal exclusion of the
Metis Nation from meaningful processes to address their land and
self-government claims as well as end the denial of essential programs
and services to Metis citizens," the Metis National Council said in a
news release in anticipation of the ruling.
The lawsuit, initiated in 1999 by now-deceased Metis leader Harry
Daniels, sought to secure the same rights and benefits afforded those
defined as Indian, including access to health care and education
programs and the right to negotiate land treaties.
Metis and other non-status aboriginals now 'Indian'
More than 400,000 Metis will now be considered "Indian" and part of the
federal government's jurisdiction.
A Federal Court ruling on Tuesday gives the Metis and another
approximately 200,000 non-status aboriginals the same standing as First
Nation and Inuit peoples under the 1982 Constitution Act.
"(This) case will hopefully end this shameful federal exclusion of the
Metis Nation from meaningful processes to address their land and
self-government claims as well as end the denial of essential programs
and services to Metis citizens," the Metis National Council said in a
news release in anticipation of the ruling.
The lawsuit, initiated in 1999 by now-deceased Metis leader Harry
Daniels, sought to secure the same rights and benefits afforded those
defined as Indian, including access to health care and education
programs and the right to negotiate land treaties.