Manitoba Metis Federation

Wednesday, August 4 2004

OTTAWA -- Métis leaders are rejecting Prime Minister Paul Martin's offer to review the century-old treason case of legendary Louis Riel.

Clement Chartier, president of the Métis National Council, said the Métis instead want to focus on modern-day battles for their rights.

Leaders are meeting with Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott, who is also responsible for the Métis, in Ottawa today.

"Our position is very clear," Mr. Chartier said. "We're not interested in seeking a pardon or exoneration for Mr. Riel. What we are interested in is seeing the government redress those things that Mr. Riel stood for and died for, in particular, the substantive rights of the Métis Nation."

Mr. Chartier said an exoneration or pardon would be nothing more than a symbolic gesture.

"There were principles the Métis fought and died for, including Mr. Riel for treason. [It] is not going to address the sacrifices that were made. Mr. Riel, to us, is a hero and a martyr. It's not going to really change any of that if he is pardoned or exonerated. His stature amongst us certainly will not change."

Riel was captured and hanged for treason after leading the 1885 North-West Rebellion. He also led the Red River Rebellion in 1869.

In April, Mr. Martin said the federal government would revisit the Riel case, but did not say how it would be reviewed.

"There is a great deal of interest in our caucus to basically have a very tangible recognition of Louis Riel's contribution, not just to the Métis Nation, but to Canada as a whole."

Over the years, there have been more than 25 bills introduced in Parliament seeking Riel's pardon or exoneration.

Mr. Martin, who has made native affairs a top priority, made the comments after a historic roundtable meeting of aboriginal leaders with two dozen Liberal cabinet ministers.

A landmark Supreme Court decision last year recognized the constitutional rights of Métis. The court ruled Métis people can claim aboriginal rights to hunt for food as long as they can show a direct link to a historical Métis community.

Status Indians have been allowed to hunt for food without provincial licences and out of season. The Métis, who have mixed aboriginal and European heritage, argued they should have the same right. The ruling has also given Métis leaders more political clout.

"It's caused the government to sit back and take notice," Mr. Chartier said. "The things we have been saying for years have been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada that the Métis are a distinct people with rights."

The case revolved around a Métis father and son in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., whose guns and a moose they shot were confiscated in 1993 because they lacked hunting licences.

Globe and Mail
By KIM LUNMAN
Wednesday, August 4, 2004 - Page A4