Intertribal Life Newspaper -

OTTAWA, ON—On January 8, 2013, Canada’s Federal Court ruled that 200,000 Métis and 400,000 non-status Indians in Canada are indeed “Indians” under the Constitution Act, and fall under federal jurisdiction.

“Today’s decision will mark a new relationship with the government of Canada,” says Betty Ann Lavallée, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

“The recognition of Métis and non-status Indian as Indians under section 91(24) should accord a further level of respect and reconciliation by removing the constitutional uncertainty surrounding these groups,” Federal Court Judge Michael Phelan writes.

The decision helps to more clearly outline Ottawa’s responsibilities toward the two aboriginal groups.

The decision does not go so far as to declare that the federal government is financially responsible to the two groups, but it says such duties would flow automatically now that their standing has been clarified.