OTTAWA (January 24, 2007) – The Métis Nation of Ontario congratulates the Métis Nation of Alberta, Jason Madden and Jean Teillet, as Council and Co-Council, respectively, for their recent success in defending the Harvesting Rights of Métis citizens in Alberta, regarding the Kipp Kelley case.

Tony Belcourt, President of the MNO said “The decision in Alberta’s courts will hopefully have an important bearing in Ontario, both in our current court case (Laurin/Lemieux/Lemieux provincial court, North Bay), as well as politically. We also applaud the fact that the court in Alberta recognized the legal validity of Métis Harvesting agreements and we seek that outcome in Ontario regarding our case. We also welcome the strong language of the decision from the court in Alberta, noting the importance of these agreements, which are called for by the Supreme Court of Canada in order to avoid costly and unnecessary litigation.”

“We are proud of the achievements of our Métis lawyers, Jason Madden and Jean Teillet, for another Métis Rights victory that will surely assist us in the pursuit of the sole and respectful recognition of our rights in the future.” Gary Lipinski, MNO Chair, concluded.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centers around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.