Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand. Photo courtesy MMF wesbite .

 

An appeal for an over 30 year old land claims lawsuit by the Manitoba Metis Federation has been turned down by the Manitoba Court of Appeals. The case which pursues to regain land lost after Manitoba joined the Confederation, has been under reserve with the court for over a year.

MMF President David Chartrand says it doesn't feel like a loss, just that they haven't won yet. He tells us, despite the ruling, there were some positives that came out of it.



Chartrand adds they did not expect to win at this level. He says the federation has instructed it’s lawyers to file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada.



Chartrand says when talks of Manitoba joining confederation began, the Manitoba Act was formed which protected land for Metis children, and protected the French language and non-denominational religions, and later became a treaty. He adds their argument in the lawsuit centres around the fact governments have not dealt with the land that was promised to the Metis people and not given.



Chartrand adds the Federation always knew the case was heading for the Supreme Court of Canada.


~ Thursday, July 8th 2010 ~