Province Still Pondering Metis Hunting Ruling

Province Still Pondering Metis Hunting Ruling

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 14:26

 

 

 

The province says it needs some clarification on last week’s Supreme Court ruling regarding Metis hunting rights before it announces any changes to Saskatchewan’s hunting guidelines.

 

Dave Phillips of Saskatchewan Environment says while Metis hunters in the North were already protected by a previous court ruling, hunters from other areas were required to get licenses to hunt or fish.

 

That rule is now likely a thing of the past because of the Ontario decision.

 

However, Phillips says more information is needed before they enact any legislation about what exactly Metis in Saskatchewan can harvest.

 

Phillips says what is clear is that Metis can’t use this ruling for commercial purposes.

 

The Supreme Court determined last Friday that Metis people in the region of Sault Ste. Marie have the right to hunt for food without a license and out of season.

 

Phillips says, by extension, that means Metis in Saskatchewan have the same benefits.