No Metis rights in southern Alberta: judge

APTN National News
EDMONTON–An Alberta judge has ruled that the Metis have no Aboriginal rights in the southern part of the province.

Provincial court Judge Ted Fisher made the ruling when he found Metis Hunter Gary Hirsekorn guilty of hunting out of seasons and of illegal possession of wildlife. Hirsekorn was fined $350 on each count.

Fisher ruled that the Metis did not have Aboriginal rights because the Blackfoot had prevented the Metis from entering southern Alberta before 1874.

The Metis managed to finally settle the area after the Canadian government removed the Blackfoot threat, the judge ruled.

The 14-month case was triggered by the Metis Nation of Alberta who hoped to affirm their right to subsistence hunt.

Two Metis hunters illegally shot an antelope and mule deer on purpose in hopes of forcing the court case. One of the hunters has since died.

Ron Jones and his common law wife, died this past October.

 

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Mark Blackburn

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