Alberta Métis go to court in their 'hunt for justice'

 

 

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL

May 07, 2009

Monday, May 4, the trial of three Métis hunters began in provincial court in Medicine Hat, as a part of the Métis Nation's ongoing "hunt for justice" in this province.

This trial is not just about these three Métis hunters. It is about Alberta's more than 45,000 Métis securing our rightful place in a province we are proud to call home.

The defence that will be put forward by our lawyers will show that Alberta Métis have a shared history, identity and culture.

We are not little communities or "dots on a map" that Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton can draw arbitrary circles around. We are a distinct aboriginal people with constitutionally protected rights that must be respected throughout Alberta.

This trial marks a significant and disappointing change from the longstanding respect the Alberta government has shown the Métis people of this province.

In the past, leadership and co-operation guided Alberta's approach on Métis issues. Instead of resorting to the courts, we developed "made-in-Alberta" solutions. Rightfully, Alberta was recognized as a national leader on this front.

Now, this well-earned reputation has been tarnished in the eyes of the Métis and many others.

In the end, it's going to be the Alberta taxpayer and the Métis who pay the bill for Morton's mistakes and flawed policy. Instead of using taxpayers' money to help Albertans weather these tough economic times, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be wasted in the courts.

Of course, Morton will not personally repay the Alberta taxpayer or the Métis when he is ultimately proven wrong. Likely, by that time, he will no longer be the minister responsible.

We are confident we will ultimately be successful in our "hunt for justice."

The facts of history and Canada's Constitution are on our side. As well, we are a proud and resilient people who are united in wanting to see this through for our grandchildren and the generations of Métis yet to come. Through this tribulation, we also take some solace in knowing that we continue to have many friends in the Alberta government and throughout this province who are just as disappointed with the current state of affairs as we are.

It is truly unfortunate that Morton has been allowed to usher in an era of mistrust and litigation that will only end up costing all Albertans, Métis included.

This new adversarial approach will undoubtedly cause delays to projects and developments across Alberta where the government refuses to consult with us. Instead of avoiding these types of situations by working together, we will be in the courts creating uncertainty for government, industry and the Métis.

The most frustrating part of this whole experience is that when the litigation is all said and done, we will be right back at the situation we are in today -- a place where we need to work together to create a "made-in-Alberta" solution. At that time, we hope to have our old friend and partner -- the Alberta government -- back at the table and willing to work with us in order to develop the solutions together.

For more information, visit: www.albertametis.com.

Audrey Poitras, President, Métis Nation of Alberta, Edmonton

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