Powley Case
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Métis Nation mourns the death of Ontario hunter Steve Powley
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. (CP) - A northern Ontario hunter who
headed a landmark Supreme Court challenge that secured hunting
and other aboriginal rights for Métis people has died.
Steve Powley succumbed to diabetes early Monday morning after
spending several days in a Sault Ste. Marie hospital, said
a release from the Métis Nation of Ontario. He was 56. Powley
became known as a hero after shooting a moose out of season
while on a hunting trip with his son in 1992. Ontario's Ministry
of Natural Resources charged the pair with hunting without
a licence. From Ontario's provincial court to the Supreme
Court of Canada, Powley won every case over almost a decade.
His victory was announced by the Supreme Court of Canada in
September 2003.
"This is a mournful day for the Métis people," said
Tony Belcourt, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario. "Steve
Powley was a giant of a man whose determination to seek justice
for Métis rights has changed the course of history for the
Métis Nation. He is a hero to his people who have been left
a legacy that will last forever."
"Steve Powley's strength and commitment will always be
honoured by the Métis Nation," added lawyer Jean Teillet,
who defended Powley in the landmark case. "We loved him.
His name will live on in our hearts and in our memories."
Clement Chartier, president of the Métis National Council,
said Powley's perseverance "exemplified the on-going
spirit of the Métis in standing up to injustice."
After the Supreme Court decision Steve told reporters, "At
first I didn't see the importance, but as the years went on
I realized it's not just helping my sons and daughters and
grandchildren. It's helping all Métis." Métis people
who prove a historic link to surviving Métis communities and
customs can claim hunting and other aboriginal rights. Before
Powley's case, aboriginal rights were allowed only for those
who could trace their lineage to relatives who lived in Canada
before European contact.
Powley is survived by his wife, Brenda, his four children,
Paul, Evelyn, Roderick and Kimberley, and three grandchildren,
Jerri-Lee, Anthony and Aaron.
courtesy of cnews |
