Alberta Metis Hunting Agreement dead in the water??

[Win94]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Edmonton January 26, 2007)… Alberta’s largest conservation group, the Alberta Fish &
Game Association (AFGA), is encouraged to hear that the recent Court of Queen’s
Bench of Alberta decision in the Kipp Kelley appeal has deemed the Interim Métis
Harvesting Agreement (IMHA) “unenforceable” indicating that it has no authority and
thus is in fact not legitimate.
The interim agreement, which was struck behind closed doors without public or
stakeholder input in 2004, came under severe criticism from the beginning by the AFGA
and other conservation groups. Little or no consideration had been given to the
province wide impact on fish and wildlife by creating an open season year-round.
The IMHA had given unlimited rights to members of the Métis Nation of Alberta to “hunt,
trap or fish at all seasons of the year.” Though it states the purpose is for “subsistence
purposes,” the agreement does not define the term nor does it impose any limits on the
quantities of fish or game harvested.
“Simply put when something is “not legally enforceable” as stated by Justice Gerald A.
Verville in making the decision, it just doesn’t exist,” said AFGA President Randy
Collins.
“We have concerns when any single group is given the right to harvest unlimited
quantities of fish or game, or to disregard seasonal restrictions. Fishing and hunting
seasons are in place to give fish and game sanctuary to conceive, birth and raise their
young, and limits are there to protect the long term survival of all species,” he continued.
The Alberta Fish and Game Association is a not-for-profit volunteer organization proud
to serve Albertans in the promotion of the wise use of our fish and wildlife resources and
the conservation of their habitats. Celebrating its 98th anniversary the AFGA has been
active since 1908 in working towards these goals. It has a province-wide membership of
more than 14,000 individuals spread among 100+ Clubs.
-30-
CONTACT: Randy Collins, President, (780) 459-5878 (after 6:00 pm)
Martin Sharren, Executive Vice President, (780) 437-2342

 

[Mumptia]

Sounds like next season is going to busy for the CO's dealing with the "Ididn't know's" and the "since when?'s".

So that we are all on the same page, (respectfully) what percentage of which culture consitutes a person being granted Metis status?

 

[joe m]

I have been following this for a while now and would like an informed legal interpretation on the ruling. Both sides are claiming victory. Both sides are blowing smoke. I'm tired of it and would like an accurate answer for a change.

Anyone have an answer that comes from an independant source?

 

[Levi Garrett]

Rules of fair chase and bag limits are in place for a reason ,and for all to follow , suck it up and be sportsman.

 

[Noel]

Does anyone know of an independant source we could contact to find out like joe m mentioned?

Two years ago at the AF&GA score night they mentioned this item was about to be brought in and it would enable an estimated 30,000 plus people who already hunt to do it year round with no limit. That didn't include the Metis from other provinces who all of a sudden decided they needed a Ram from Cadomin to put on the wall. Nice sportsmanship.

Mark, I sure hope this is the case as you've mentioned. That needed the kiabosh in the worst way, I only hope it was put to a halt before it's too late!

I don't think the minimum status has to be very much so long as you can prove it.

 

[bootz]

Rules of fair chase and bag limits are in place for a reason ,and for all to follow , suck it up and be sportsman.

Thank You!

 

[Duffy]

There is a "twist". As I see it.....One judge said the "interm agreement" was uninforcable and the charged was guilty.

On appeal another judge said that because the "interm agreement" had been in the news so much and people were of the feeling it was "law" then you could not convict someone for doing something he "thought" he had the right to do.

The AB. Gov't is going to have to 1. totally scrap the "interm agreement" or 2. modify and rebuild the agreement into something more workable and make it law. In any case there has to be a big education campain so everyone knows WHAT the heck the law is.

Robin in Rocky

 

[tree mugger]

There should be no agreement.....Metis didn't exist until at least 9 months after white man arrived.......

 

[dan belisle]

Sounds like next season is going to busy for the CO's dealing with the "Ididn't know's" and the "since when?'s".

So that we are all on the same page, (respectfully) what percentage of which culture consitutes a person being granted Metis status?

Varies form province to province, you'll have to check locally to see if you qualify. - dan

 

[Dogleg]

Sounds like next season is going to busy for the CO's dealing with the "Ididn't know's" and the "since when?'s".

QUOTE]



My understanding is that ignorance of the law is no excuse. The "I didn't knows" can be answered with a "Tough Sh*t"

 

[Dogleg]

There should be no agreement.....Metis didn't exist until at least 9 months after white man arrived.......

That's classic! Can I use it?

 

[DarrylDB]

There should be no agreement.....Metis didn't exist until at least 9 months after white man arrived.......

Thats about as long as my family has been here,(actually, a little longer in the US) and I dont get any special frikkin rights, so neither should they...