Powley Day: Honouring the Fight for Métis Rights
This September 19 marks the 23rd anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s unanimous decision in R. v. Powley— a watershed moment in Canadian legal history that affirmed Métis harvesting rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The case began in 1993, when Métis father and son Steve and Roddy Powley were charged with harvesting a moose without a licence. As members of the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community, they challenged the charges on the grounds that they were exercising a Métis right to harvest. Their decision to fight the charges sparked a decade-long legal battle that ultimately reached Canada’s highest court.
On September 19, 2003, the Supreme Court confirmed that members of the Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie have an Aboriginal right to hunt for food protected under section 35. The decision established the legal framework for recognizing Métis rights and remains the foundational case on Métis section 35 rights.
The case was led by the Métis Nation of Ontario in partnership with the Powley family and the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Community. R. v. Powleyremains the first — and to date, only — Supreme Court of Canada decision recognizing Métis harvesting rights. Its impact has extended far beyond Ontario, providing an important precedent for Métis communities and governments working to establish or negotiate Métis harvesting rights.
Each year on Powley Day, Métis people reflect on the legacy of this historic decision and honour the courage and sacrifice of the Powley family, whose fight for justice helped shape the future of Métis rights in Canada.
“On this day, we remember the struggle, celebrate the progress, and renew our commitment to justice and recognition for the Métis people within Canada,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “As we continue to move forward on the path toward realizing modern-day Métis self-government, we must never forget the legacy of Powley and the fundamental truth it affirmed: Métis rights exist in this country, particularly here in Ontario.”
To learn more about Powley Day, the Powley decision, and the Powley family, watch The Hunt for Justice: The Powley Story, a documentary about the struggle of Ontario Métis against marginalization and the denial of their existence, as well as the lasting impact of the Powley case.