An official with the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon says the phones have been ringing off the hook since a federal court decision earlier in the week that says Métis people should be recognized under the Canadian constitution.
Tammy Vallee, the genealogist with the MNS, says the court decision has definitely sparked interest from people who believe they may be Métis and are interested in applying for citizenship.
“Our receptionist says the phones have been ringing off the hook for her. In two hours there were roughly 200 people she had talked to and that is not including the calls she had missed. Today it is maybe slightly down for her but the lines still keep ringing.”
She says the MNS is doing its best to help people trace their family tree, look at historical records and census documents to determine if they are indeed eligible for Métis citizenship.
Vallee says there are currently a little under 2,500 registered Métis citizens in Saskatchewan.