What laws recognize the collective rights of the Metis ?

1. What laws recognize the collective rights of the Metis? To what extent has Canada affirmed collective rights?

2. Introduction • “We must cherish our inheritance. We must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future. The story should be written down to pass on.” • —Louis Riel, c.1885

3. Introduction • Louis Riel (1844–1885) was a spiritual and political leader of the Métis from 1869–1885. Considering what you know about collective identity and collective rights, what do you believe Riel meant by his statement? • The Aboriginal peoples of Canada include all of the First Nations, the Métis, and the Inuit. The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people. The Métis heritage, culture, traditions, and values date back to their First Nation and European forefathers.

4. Introduction • The Métis have a legacy of establishing and supporting trade relationships and communities in the western prairies, including in the region that is now known as the province of Alberta. • The Métis history dates back to the relationships formed between European fur traders and the First Nations. Today, Alberta is home to approximately 65 000 Métis; Canada is home to approximately 300 000 Métis.

5. Today, the Métis are recognized as one of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. As such, their collective rights as Aboriginal peoples are recognized and protected by Canada’s constitution. • The Métis, however, did not have any historic treaties or land claims to support their cause for recognition at the time when the constitution was written. For the Métis, this means a long history filled with struggle to gain collective rights as an Aboriginal people and a struggle to maintain their collective identity.

6. Assignment • Let’s listen to the Metis Anthem • Using a copy of the Metis National Anthem lyrics, complete the following: • 1. Highlight lyrics that describe Metis collective identity. • 2. Using a different highlighter, identify lyrics that describe struggles or challenges the Metis faced.

7. Assignment • Use the following example as a guide. Red= collective identity Green= challenge or struggle In the forest on the river, and across the western plain, as the white man journeyed westward, to the land of the Indian. A new race was created, a new nation rose up strong. Hardship as its destiny, and its curse to not belong.

8. The Métis National Anthem describes the struggles the Métis people have faced. It also describes the Métis people's promise to their nation that they will overcome all of these challenges to emerge with a strong collective identity. • Since Confederation, many events have occurred that have influenced the Métis collective identity. These have included issues dealing with land claims, governance, settlements, and treaties.

9. Timeline Analysis • Turn to page 152 in your textbook and read the introduction. • Let’s use the timeline to get a deeper understanding of historical thinking. Fill out your chart titled: Metis Collective Rights and Identity: 1869-2006. • Use pages 153-158 to complete your work. • Complete the BTQ on pages 156 and 158. • Complete question #1 at the bottom of page 158.

10. Challenging Rights • 2003: The Powley Case Summary: • In 1993, Steve Powley and his son were charged with unlawfully killing wildlife without a licence. Before this case, Metis were not recognized as an Aboriginal group with hunting rights. The Powleys challenged the law on the basis of whether Metis have hunting rights under the constitution. The Supreme Court ruled in their favour.

11. A modern take… • Aboriginal issues are still in the headlines today. • Calgary Herald; May 09 • Edmonton Journal; Oct.09 • CBC; Nov. 09 • CBC; Dec. 2009 • Edmonton Journal; Jan.10 • Read page 159 and complete the BTQ on the bottom right.

12. Conclusion • The Métis identity is unique in that the Métis culture was formed from the relationships between the First Nations and European explorers and traders. • The Métis collective identity has struggled as this people's rights have been challenged time and again in Canada. The affirmation of Métis rights in Canada continues to evolve even today. New challenges face all collectives in Canada as the nation continues to grow and change.