Manitoba

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is undertaking the Métis Harvesting Initiative to implement and protect the harvesting rights of the Manitoba Métis Community. Through extensive consultation, the Métis people have identified a series of objectives to guide the implementation of Métis harvesting rights in Manitoba.

To start, the MMF is issuing Métis Harvester Identification Cards. These Cards identify Métis harvesters and prevent the fraudulent abuse of our Métis harvesting rights by non-Métis.

The MMF has also set up a Métis Conservation Trust Fund to raise and distribute funds for local and regional Métis-directed conservation initiatives, and to support and safeguard Métis rights.

Finally, the MMF is committed to a Métis-developed management system and Métis Laws of the Harvest recognizing Métis rights, jurisdiction, and responsibility. This includes surveys and management tags for gathering wildlife and fisheries data as well as Métis-made common-sense rules to protect resources such as bag limits and seasonal restrictions.

What does this mean for Métis Harvesters in Manitoba this year?

In September 2004, Manitoba Premier Gary Doer pledged his government would follow the Powley case and respect Métis harvesting rights. Further, Manitoba Conservation Minister, Stan Struthers, agreed his department would honour the MMF's Métis Harvester Identification Cards and the harvesting practices of the Métis would be respected.

Despite promises made, the Manitoba Government has indicated that Métis Harvester Identification Cardholders may still be charged, have property seized, or both. If such cases arise, the MMF will support all validated Métis Harvester Identification Cardholders hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering for food or domestic purposes, while following the Interim Métis Laws of the Harvest. The MMF is continuing to issue Métis Harvester Identification Cards.

For information on Métis harvesting in Manitoba contact:

Manitoba Métis Federation
Natural Resources Unit
1-800-665-8474 (Manitoba Only)
204-586-8474
www.mmf.mb.ca