R. v. Powley’s Enduring Legacy for All Métis

September 19 is Powley Day, the anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s unanimous ruling in R. v. Powley on September 19, 2003.

Reflecting on his decade-long legal saga, Steve Powley, the proud Métis harvester from the historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community who was at the heart of the case, once famously said:

“That’s what it’s for: for my children. It’s not for me anymore. I’m not looking for anything… I didn’t see the bigger picture for all Métis at the time; I won’t lie to you. But after the second court case I started to see the broader picture. And after this last one, it’s just scary how many people it’s actually going to help. So, I’m glad if I can do it.”

R. v. Powley not only affirmed that Métis communities and the families that comprise them—like the Powleys—have the inherent right to harvest protected under Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution but also opened the door to countless other advancements and milestones for all Métis from Ontario-westward.

As Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand proudly and correctly stated shortly after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Powley:

“This is only the beginning. This decision clearly has impacts beyond hunting and will open the door for the legal and political recognition of our rights in health care, economic and resource development, as well as other areas of Metis rights.”

From a renewed sense of Métis pride to providing a strong foundation for future legal victories, harvesting agreements, nation-to-nation accords and sustained Métis-specific funding, the Métis Nation’s Supreme Court victory in R. v. Powley was a truly watershed moment that continues to reverberate and benefit every Métis person, community, and government throughout the Métis Homeland to this day.

See Our Sources

• Supreme Court of Canada Decision in R. v. Powley, 2003

• Hunt for Justice: The Powley Story

• “Métis Nation Wins Rights Case, President Chartrand Discusses the Supreme Court Decisions,” Grassroots News

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