Quotes on the Supreme Court’s ruling that Metis, non-status Indians are Indians

OTTAWA – Quotes about the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark ruling Thursday that declared that Metis and non-status aboriginals are Indians under the Constitution.

“The constitutional changes, the apologies for historic wrongs, a growing appreciation that aboriginal and non-aboriginal people are partners in Confederation … all indicate that reconciliation with all of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples is Parliament’s goal.” — Justice Rosalie Abella writing for the 9-0 court.

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“I’m overwhelmed, I have a heavy heart right now. I am just thinking about my Dad. I’m not going to start crying…. He would be climbing the walls … he would be happy but he’d be focused on things to come.” — Gabriel Daniels, whose father Harry launched the case in 1994; Daniels joined as a plaintiff after his father died in 2004.

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“We, of course, respect the Supreme Court decision and we’ll be engaging, not just on our own but with indigenous leadership to figure out what the path is forward. I can guarantee you one thing, the path forward will be together.” — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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“This is going to allow us to have an actual voice where industry and government have no choice but to work with our people.” — Ron Quintal, president of the Fort McKay Metis Community in Alberta, whose community resides amid the oilsands.

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“There is no way that the federal government can avoid or hide from this issue any longer. It’s got to be positive negotiations with Metis just as much as there is with First Nations.” — Jason Madden, lawyer for Metis National Council, a group which was an intervener in the case.

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“As a leader in aboriginal politics for the past 37 years I have learned to be modest when it comes to predicting the future, but I can say with confidence that today’s decision bodes well for the future of hundreds of thousands of disenfranchised Metis and non-status Indians, who can now move forward with a new sense of pride and purpose.” — Dwight Dorey, national chief of Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

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“The Metis are taxpayers paying billions of dollars annually, while our health, education, and employment needs are snubbed. Metis issues can no longer be ignored. The Metis must now be included.” — David Chartrand, president, Manitoba Metis Federation.

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“Today is a very exciting day for the Metis Settlements and we are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision. Our primary goal has always been to create strong partnerships that protect our lands, create opportunity for our people and lead to the long-term sustainability of our settlements. Today’s decision is a huge step forward in that cause.” — Randy Hardy, president of the Metis Settlements General Council.

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“The government of Canada welcomes and respects this decision, which will guide our work with indigenous peoples to advance real reconciliation and renew the relationship, based on recognition of rights, respect, and partnership. Today’s decision speaks to a renewed relationship with Metis and non-status Indians, one the government of Canada has already been actively pursuing.” — Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.

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“The Liberal government owes Metis, non-status Indians and all Canadians across the country an immediate and clear understanding of how they will respond to this decision. Canadians want to see their plan for accommodating the significant cost implications of this decision within their current fiscal framework.” — Cathy McLeod, official Opposition critic for indigenous affairs.

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