4.5 Collective Rights of Métis People

autonomy - authority to make decisions

inherent rights - rights with origins in fundamental justice

scrip - Métis history, a document that could be exchanged for land and that was offered to the Métis at the time the Numbered Treaties were negotiated

Issues For Canadians page 153 

1875 - 1879 - Scrips

Instead of giving over land directly to the Métis people, the government handed out scrip.  In order for the Métis people to have the land, it meant they had to give up their right as a "Treaty Indian".  For some reason, the govenrment at the time did not feel that the Métis people were First Nations and therefore did not need reserves, even though they felt themselves as being Indigenous people.  

Wanting to stay close to one another, the Métis sought large areas of land where they could live with one another, but it was difficult to secure such type of land.  Instead of staying, they chose to move to Saskatchewan and Alberta and sold their scrip. Many Albertan communities are recognized as Métis settlements, which were originally founded during 1875 - 1879.

Breakout EDU Rupertsland Institute - Introduction to Métis Scrip

Go to Workspace to complete the Breakout room activity.

1885 - The Northwest Resistance

After seeing how well Riel's assistance helped the people of Manitoba, the Métis of the Northwest asked for his help.  The Northwest Resistance pushed to protect the land of the Métis in Saskatchewan, however, there was much bloodshed.

1896 - 1910 Métis Settlements in Alberta

On land provided by the Catholic church, a Métis settlement near St. Paul, Alberta was established.  As this was not their own lad, the Métis people, once again were forced to leave once the settlement was closed.

1938 - Métis Population Betterment Act 

After lobbying the government for land, the Métis Population Betterment Act as written.  This provided twleve temporary settlements to the Métis people. 

1940 - 1960 - Still No Control

With these new settlements not being very good farming, hunting or fishing ground, the settlements were closed and the land was given back to the government.

1982 - Constitution Act

After years of lobbying for recogniation, section 35 was included in the constitution, recogniaing Métis as one of Canada's Indigenous people.  This provided this diverse group with the rights they had been fighting for.

1990 - Numerous Métis Acts Are Legislated in Alberta

As part of these acts, the Métis people were given permanetn land base on the Métis settlemetns and were given autonomy.  With this came the established right to develop the oil and gas resources on their land. 

2003 - Hunting and Fishing Rights

The Supreme Court supported the Métis people constitutional right to hunt and fish as it recognized the relationship between the land of the Métis and their rights as Indigenous People.  

2004 - Continued Controversy

Through negotiations, the Alberta government agreed to the Métis hunting and fishing rights.  This new agreement assured the Métis that no license was required.  By 2007, the government had placed restrictions without agreement by the Métis Settlements General council nor the Métis Nation of Alberta.  Some people feel that the Métis were having their inherent right removed, while others felt that all Albertans should have the same rights.    

2006 - Manitoba Act Controversy

The Métis people of Manitoba seek compensation for the land promised in the Manitoba Act, that was not received.

Métis celebrate historic Supreme Court land ruling

Métis celebrate historic Supreme Court land ruling | CBC News

Canada's Métis are celebrating a Supreme Court ruling that found the federal government failed to follow through on a promise it made to the Métis people over 140 years ago.

Respond to these questions in your notes

1. Why might the Métis organizations described on ths page have different perspectives on Métis collective rights?

2. Why are the collective rights of the Métis important to Audrey Poitras and Gerald Cunningham?