Métis Nation of Ontario Commemorates 21st Anniversary of Landmark Powley Decision
Press Release
Métis Nation of Ontario Commemorates 21st Anniversary of Landmark Powley Decision
September 19, 2024 – Ottawa, ON: Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) proudly commemorates Powley Day, reflecting on the 21st anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Powley. This pivotal ruling changed the landscape of Métis rights recognition in Canada and shone a spotlight on the distinct identity and resilience of Métis communities across the country, particularly those in Ontario.
Powley Day is not only a day of celebration but also a day of reflection on the decades-long battle for justice fought by Métis citizens Steve and Roddy Powley. Their fight, alongside the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community and the Métis Nation of Ontario, set in motion a legal precedent that affirmed the constitutional rights of Métis people and recognized the deep history of Métis communities in Ontario.
“The 2003 ruling confirmed what we, as Métis people, have always known: we are not simply individuals with mixed First Nation and settler heritage; we are a distinct, rights-bearing Indigenous people whose rights and way of life are constitutionally protected,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “As we commemorate Powley Day, it is vital to continue sharing Métis history and acknowledging the undeniable facts of our Métis communities’ existence. This acknowledgment is not just about honouring our past – it is about securing our future as a people.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Powley was a significant turning point, reaffirming that Métis communities have existed in the Upper Great Lakes for generations. It provided clarity on the rights of these communities, which had long been denied. This decision serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of the Métis people and the importance of telling Métis stories that have historically been ignored by the broader public.
“Powley Day is not just about a legal victory—it is about the strength of our history as Métis communities, the resilient spirit of our people, and our dreams for the future,” President Margaret Froh continued. “We must continue to shine a spotlight on our traditions, our connection to the land, and our enduring fight for recognition. The path forward may still be challenging, but with every step we take, we honor the past and pave the way for future generations.”
As the MNO marks this significant anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to advancing the rights of historic Métis communities in Ontario. The fight for recognition and justice is ongoing, but Powley Day serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of the Métis people.
The MNO encourages Canadians to learn more about Métis rights by watching the documentary “Hunt for Justice: The Powley Story.” This powerful film by renowned Métis filmmaker Matt LeMay of Indigenous Geographic captures the 10-year legal battle that ultimately led to the groundbreaking 2003 decision. The film is publicly available for free on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adKUeRblZUE
Media Contact: media@metisnation.org
