Metis Land Claim Setback Could Have Silver Lining

Metis Land Claim Setback Could Have Silver Lining

Thursday, July 08, 2010 at 15:05

 

 

The Metis National Council is looking to the Supreme Court of Canada to provide justice in a land claim.

 

President Clem Chartier says he’s disappointed by a Manitoba court decision yesterday that ruled against a Metis land claim in the Winnipeg area.

 

For years, Metis in Manitoba have fought to prove the federal government violated its duty to them when distributing land a century ago.

 

Chartier says he’s hopeful the Supreme Court will recognize this.

 

He adds the judgement wasn’t unexpected, and may even help the Metis win recognition elsewhere.

 

According to Chartier, the ruling contained language that is a marked improvement over the lower court ruling, which he says had negative implications for the Metis statement of claim in northwest Saskatchewan filed in 1994.

 

Chartier adds he is confident the Supreme Court will rule in favour of the Manitoba land claim.

 

He notes that, historically, Metis have had better success at that level than the lower courts.

 

Chartier expects they will hear whether or not the case will be accepted by the Supreme Court in the fall.

 

If the high court proceeds with the case, he says arguments could begin within two years.