METIS LAND CLAIMS
ASSIGNMENT 4

Metis people in Canada, for the most part were excluded from the treaty process in the mid 19th and 20th centuries. The history of Metis people has been one of an up hill battle, trying to obtain a land claim settlement. The government of Canada in the past has tried to put off the land claims of Metis people resulting in two armed conflicts in 1869-70 and again in 1885.Riel, Dumont and others tried to present the Metis view point, which fell upon deaf ears. The Canadian government tried to appease the situation by offering Scrip, which would give Metis people legal title to their land. Unscrupulous land speculators bought much of the Scrip land up in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Provincial Metis organizations and the Metis National Council have petitioned the Federal and Provincial governments for recognition of treaty rights. The various Metis councils have not succeeded in the area of comprehensive claims, but have been successful in the area of hunting and fishing rights.

These sites will help you do the following activities.

• Metis Nation - Saskatchewan
• Metis National Council
• Riel Needs No Pardon
  

ACTIVITIES

1. Describe the events surrounding the Steve and Roddy Powley court case.

2. The Supreme court of Canada has come down with it's ruling this year. Expain four important consequences for Metis people.

3. Metis people in Saskatchewan have been trying to establish Metis rights within the province. The government of Canada maintains that rights of Metis people have been dealt with by issuing Scrip to Metis people individually, therefore extinguishing any land claims. Metis nations of Saskatchewan launched a statement of claim on behalf of the Metis locals of North Western Saskatchewan. Explain three important statements made in this claim.

4. Briefly explain the court cases against Dennis Daigneault and Bruce Morin of Turnor Lake, as well as the case against John Grumbo of Yorkton. What would be your decision in these cases?

5. A contentious issue amongst Metis people is the complete exoneration of Louis Riel. A new private members bill was introduced in to the House of Commons in the fall of 2001 to have Riel's conviction for treason struck down. Read the article from the Metis Nation home page on Riel. Explain whether you feel the conviction should be struck down or whether the conviction should stand. Give four reasons.

BACK >>>>>=.HOME