Metis Hunting Rights Confirmed by Highest Court
OTTAWA - Canada's top court has ruled that an Ontario Métis man has the aboriginal right to hunt, a decision seen as a first step toward granting full hunting rights. The Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision was specific to the Métis in Sault St. Marie.

It said that resident Steve Powley has the same hunting rights as a full-status Indian. Powley had been charged with hunting moose without a licence.

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Three lower courts said Powley had an aboriginal right to hunt.

The Ontario government persuaded the Supreme Court to make a final decision.

The news will be welcome to a Fort Smith man who has been fighting to establish hunting rights in the N.W.T.

Ken Hudson tried twice to challenge limits to Metis rights by hunting in Wood Buffalo National Park.

"There are other issues in relation to Metis rights that have to be dealt with," he said last spring. "This is just one of the first steps in restoring rights and getting some equal footing to the rights treaty Indians have."

Hudson was granted a permit to hunt in the south end of park in 2002, but he continues to battle for full hunting rights. It's not clear yet how today's ruling will affect Hudson or other northern Metis. (22 September 2003 by Don.Aubrey@pc.gc.ca)