R. v. Powley Sparks Pride Across the Métis Homeland

The Métis Nation’s collective victory in R. v. Powley on September 19, 2003 was not only a watershed moment in affirming the distinct Métis rights contained in Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution, but was a moment of overwhelming pride for Métis throughout the Métis Nation, from the Upper Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains.

After nearly ten years in court, Steve Powley, the Métis harvester at the centre of the case, shared his personal reflections on the deep sense of pride he felt upon hearing the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision:

“Now it’s proven that we do – we do exist. This court case, this last court case here said we exist as Métis people and we have that right. To me, that was the greatest day of my life, to know that we do exist in the government’s eyes and in the law of Canada. To me, that was fantastic.” 

Powley’s pride was echoed by Métis citizens and leaders throughout the Métis Homeland, from the Upper Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains, including interim Métis National Council President, Audrey Poitras, who, in a press conference following the Supreme Court’s ruling, proudly proclaimed on behalf of the Métis Nation: 

“To all the Métis people out there watching, I want to say two words: We won!”

Poitras’ joyous sentiments were also shared by leaders of individual Métis governments that had stood by the Powleys and the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community throughout their legal journey, including Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand, who proudly stated in a September 24, 2003 written address to MMF citizens that:

“Our Metis Nation will remember 2003 as an historic year. It will be remembered along with other important dates in the history of our People such as 1816, 1870, and 1885… It is a time, without a doubt, when we can hold our heads high.”

This same pride was even reflected in Canada’s Senate, in a special September 23, 2003 statement by Alberta Senator and Métis citizen, Thelma Chalifoux, who shared what the victory in R. v. Powley meant for her Métis family and the entire Métis Nation:

“When we included the Metis in 1982 in the Constitution as a distinctive Aboriginal people, we were looking to set the framework for bringing back to them their identity and pride and the opportunity to play a significant role in the diverse Canadian society… My family no longer has to hide the food it has obtained for our family’s well-being. It truly is a great day.” 

The Métis Nation’s victory in R. v. Powley and the many subsequent advancements it enabled remain a source of enduring pride throughout the Métis Nation to this day.

See Our Sources

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

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

• Hunt for Justice: The Powley Story

• Statement of Senator Thelma Chalifoux to the Senate, 2003

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