Saskatchewan Metis Urged To Utilize Hunting Rights

Saskatchewan Metis Urged To Utilize Hunting Rights

Friday, August 26, 2005 at 13:43

Metis leaders in Saskatchewan are encouraging Metis hunters to exercise their hunting rights this fall — even though there has been no formal agreement worked out with the province.

MNS area director Philip Chartier says even though Saskatchewan Environment only recognizes hunting rights in northern Saskatchewan, the MNS is telling hunters all over the province to go ahead and assert their rights.

Court cases concerning Metis hunting rights in southern Saskatchewan are due to start this fall, but Chartier says Metis hunters don’t have to wait.

He says the Supreme Court has already backed subsistence hunting rights for Metis, and they don’t have to wait for a government to tell them what to do.

However, he notes any hunters that violate the Metis Wildlife Act will not be supported in court and will have their MNS membership revoked.