Transcript What laws recognize the collective rights of the Metis?

To what extent has Canada affirmed collective rights?
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
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.