WHAT ARE MÉTIS RIGHTS?
Métis rights are classified into two categories:
- Land and Resource Rights
- Self-Governing Rights
The Métis have fought on the battlefield, in the courts, and government meeting rooms to have our rights recognized for generations. We desire greater control over our lives within Canada, just as we had in the 1869 and 1885 resistance struggles.
This section provides current and historical information about Métis rights, including rights to harvesting, land claims, and consultation. Updates on current Métis rights can be found on the News page, while past publications on Métis rights are filed under Archived Métis Rights Publications page. Publications released after 2016 can be found in the Resources tab.
MÉTIS LAW IN CANADA
To date, the Métis Nation has succeeded in bringing three cases forward to the Supreme Court: Daniels vs. Canada (2016), R. vs. Powley (2003), and The Manitoba Métis Federation vs. Canada (2013).
Indigenous rights lawyer, Jean Teillet, has provided a comprehensive overview of Métis case law in Canada in her report titled Métis Law in Canada [pdf], which was first published in 1999.
Métis Law in Canada, is the only comprehensive analysis of all modern Canadian Métis case law.
Why does the Métis Nation of Alberta need a constitution?
A constitution is an essential tool for self-government. A constitution acts as a rule book, clearly defining how any government, Aboriginal or otherwise, will operate and what powers it has. When the constitutions of Aboriginal governments are recognized by other levels of government—federal and provincial—they provide the legitimacy and legal tools we need to respond to our citizens’ needs and provide appropriate services. Learn more about constitutions and why it is important for the Métis Nation of Alberta to create and adopt our own.
Why is self-government important for the Métis Nation within Alberta?
Self-determination and self-government are inherent rights of all Indigenous people. Prior to Canada’s westward expansion into the Métis Nation Homeland, we governed ourselves in keeping with our own traditions. Collectively, we asserted ourselves as a nation—the Métis Nation. But Canada’s colonial policies and institutions denied our nationhood, uprooted us from our lands, and restricted many of the practices that are fundamental to our Métis culture. The Métis Nation of Alberta has struggled for decades to have our right to self-government recognized and respected. By finally achieving this sovereignty, we will regain control over matters directly affecting us and ensure Métis culture flourishes for generations. We will be empowered to remedy the effects of colonialism in our community.
How do I register as a Métis Citizen?
In addition to meeting the National definition of Métis,
you must also submit the following documents:
- Family Tree
- Birth Certificate
- Identification
Find the application form here.
What is the National definition of Métis?
Definition: “Métis means a person who self-identifies as Metis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation”
Historical Proof: refers to evidence of an ancestor who received a land grant or a scrip granted under the Manitoba Act or the Dominion Lands Act, or who was recognized as Métis in other government, church or community records.
Historic Métis Nation: refers to the Aboriginal people then known as Métis or half-breeds who resided in the Historic Métis Nation Homeland.
Historic Métis Nation Homeland: the area of land in west-central North America used and occupied as the traditional territory of the Métis or Half-breeds as they were then known.
Métis Nation: means Aboriginal people descended from the Historic Métis Nation, which is now comprised of all Métis Nation peoples and is one of the “aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of s.35 of the Constitution Act 1982.
Distinct from other Aboriginal peoples: means distinct for cultural and nationhood purpose.
If I am a Settlement member, can I also apply for an Otipemisiwak Métis Government card?
Anyone who is a resident of Alberta can apply. This includes Settlement members.
What are Métis rights?
All Métis and Indigenous people are born with inherent rights. An inherent right is a collective right of all Métis that stems from the community’s connection to the land. These rights cannot be taken away, although they are often unrecognized by other levels of government.
Inherent rights include:
- rights to the land
- rights to subsistence resources and activities
- the right to self-determination and self-government
- the right to practice one’s own culture and customs, including language and religion.