Harvesting Rights for Alberta's Metis In October 2004, the Métis
Nation of Alberta and the Government of Alberta negotiated and signed a
Métis Harvesting Agreement. With this historically significant
agreement, Alberta's Métis, whether living on or off a Métis settlement,
can exercise their constitutionally protected right to harvest (hunt,
trap, and fish) year-round.
The Métis Nation of Alberta and the Government of Alberta began
negotiations shortly after the unanimous decision from the Supreme Court
of Canada in R vs. Powley, September 19, 2003. The Court's
groundbreaking decision affirmed that Métis have harvesting rights
protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982). In Alberta,
Métis rights-holders will not have to buy a license to harvest their
traditional food supply, or fear prosecution. Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA)
President Audrey Poitras stated that Métis harvesters would continue to
practice safe hunting and conservation laws. She noted that Métis are
conservationists. They believe in the wise use of natural resources by
ensuring that fish and wildlife stocks remain healthy for the benefit of
present and future generations.
Alberta's Métis and successive Alberta governments have made huge
strides in politically, socially, and legally addressing Métis
distinctiveness.
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Metis Association of Alberta
(1932)
Ewing Commission (1934-1936)
The Metis Betterment Act (1938)
The Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements Formed (1973)
MacEwan Joint Metis-Government Committee (1982-1984)
Resolution 18 Incorporated (1985)
Metis Settlements Accord Adopted (1989)
Metis Settlements General Council
Metis Rights: Regina vs. Powley
Who Are Metis?
Harvesting Rights for Alberta's Metis |