Home >> The People and Their Communities >> Issues and Challenges: 20th Century >> 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