Non-status Indians and Metis, now officially 'Indians'

[maryjane48]

Thanks to a single court decision, the federal government’s responsibilities for Canada’s aboriginal peoples have suddenly become a whole lot larger.

After more than 13 years of legal wrangling, the Federal Court ruled on Tuesday that Metis and non-status Indians are indeed “Indians” under a section of the Constitution Act, and fall under federal jurisdiction.

The decision adds to the mounting pressure on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to rethink the way Canada deals with native populations, who are among the most impoverished in Canada.

The ruling helps to clarify the relationship between Ottawa and the more than 600,000 aboriginal people who are not affiliated with specific reserves and have essentially no access to First Nations programs, services and rights.

“This is huge and it ends the denial of aboriginal birthrights that has existed for far too long among off reserve Metis and non-status Indians,” said Betty Ann Lavallee, national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. “Today is a very emotional day for me and a very hopeful day for all off-reserve aboriginal people.




http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Court+ ... story.html

[twobits]

The decision adds to the mounting pressure on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to rethink the way Canada deals with native populations, who are among the most impoverished in Canada.

There is a simple solution to poverty among Canada's First Nations. Just put every band member on council so they get an equal cut of the Federal cheques instead of just the Chief and his/her extended families.

[the truth]

great post that about couvers it

[the truth]

*removed*