Metis Fishing Ruling Could Have Wide Implications

Metis Fishing Ruling Could Have Wide Implications

Friday, October 19, 2007 at 17:52

Metis are celebrating a ruling from a judge in southern Saskatchewan, who yesterday found a Metis man from Lebret not guilty of fishing without a licence.

Don Belhumeur was charged in 2002 after he failed to produce a license while fishing on Lake Katepwa.

He argued in court that he was merely exercising his Aboriginal rights.

His lawyer, Clem Chartier, says the decision will definitely impact Metis harvesting rights in the Qu’Appelle Valley — but he hopes it will prompt the government to recognize Metis hunting and fishing rights across the province.

Chartier says the case might force and end to the government’s attempt to differentiate between Metis harvesters in the north and the south.

He adds there is no sign the province wants to appeal.

Officials with the government say they can’t comment while the provincial election campaign is underway.