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,” F...