B.C. Metis Federation files Civil Claim against Canada for “Infringement upon Freedom of Association”

The BC Metis Federation and four of its members have filed a Notice of Civil Claim against the Government of Canada for what they say is discrimination.

Currently, the federation is not recognized as a formal Metis government.

Meaning those registered with the federation are also not recognized for their Metis identity, which is protected in section 35 of the constitution,

Because of that, members of the BCMF have faced limited access to Metis health and social services.

Representing more than 6,000, the federation says the crown is continuing oppressive practices against Metis people.

In the claim, all five plaintiffs are asking the Supreme Court to push the federal government to declare the organization’s legitimacy.

President of the federation Keith Henry says the crown is attempting to erase their member’s identity and are infringing upon their freedom of association.

It comes a month after the federation filed a human rights complaint against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for their denouncement of what they called “Metis Colonialism”.