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JULY 20, 2000

The Supreme Court today rejected an argument by Ontario Metis and other non-status Indians who argued that they share in the profits of a native-run casino in Ontario.

The ruling had the potential for changing the way the government views aboriginal rights. Under the Indian Act, Metis are not recognized by the government.

Metis in the province had argued that they share in the First Nations Fund, which is funded by profits of Casino Rama, operated by the Mnjikaning Ojibwe First Nation. The Ojibwe receive 35 percent of the profits and the rest goes to 133 status reserves in Ontario.

A quarter of that amount, which has totaled $140 million since the casino opened in 1996, would have to Metis and non-status Indians.

The Court's unanimous ruling might affect other rights of Metis, including fishing and hunting. Recently, the Acadia First Nation of New Brunswick have been fishing in New Brunswick in an attempt to test federal recognition of their aboriginal rights.

But for now, the government's exclusion of the Metis under the Indian Act is Constitutional.

"The appellants failed to establish that the First Nations Fund functioned by device of stereotype," he wrote.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court rejects Ontario Metis bid for share of casino profits (The Calgary Herald /20)
Supreme Court ruling on casino profits could dramatically alter native rights (The National Post 7/20)

Related Stories:
Metis to test fishing rights (First Nations 07/07)