A major Metis land claim argued before the Supreme Court of Canada yesterday could have ramifications for Metis in Saskatchewan.
In its claim, the Manitoba Metis Federation asserts that Canada did not fulfill its constitutional obligations agreed upon by the Riel government in 1870 as part of Manitoba’s entry into Confederation.
The MMF argues the federal government failed to confirm the possession of land held by the Metis settlers along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, and neglected its responsibility to distribute 1.4 million acres among 7,000 Metis children in the area — thereby allowing for an influx of non-Metis settlers into an area the Metis claim as a land base.
Two lower courts have rejected the Metis argument, but Canada’s highest court has agreed to hear an appeal.
Metis National Council president Clem Chartier says the case will likely prompt the Supreme Court to spell out basic, clear principles with respect to Metis land rights.
Chartier says that is going to “help tremendously” and set a precedent for a large Metis land claim in northwest Saskatchewan that was filed in 1994 and is still before the courts.
He expects the SCOC decision within eight months.