Does the Powley Decision include a legal definition of MÉtis?
The Powley Decision sets conditions that individuals must meet in order to legally exercise their Aboriginal Métis rights under section 35 in the Constitution (1982) to harvest or hunt. It does not define “Métis” – only those who self-identify as Métis may do that. Only those who self-identify as Métis may define their culture, language, values or customs. on who may claim Aboriginal Métis rights under section 35. According to the decision, the term “Métis” refers to distinctive peoples of mixed ancestry who developed their own customs, practices, traditions and recognizable group identities separate from their Indian, Inuit and European ancestors. The term “Métis” does not refer to all individuals of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry.
