Government Avoids Jurisdictional Responsibility for Métis

Summary

The Constitution Act of 1867 outlined that "the Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians” would be under the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada. This act did not take into account the presence of Métis people and their access to land and traditional territories.

Implications
This ambiguity has resulted in the Métis population in Canada being in “political and legal limbo.” As neither federal or provincial governments have taken responsibility to determine Métis—such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and land rights.
Sub Event
Métis Status in Canada defined by 1867 Constitution Act Section 91(24)
Date
1867-00-00
Documents
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