Shuswap Nation Tribal Council issue statement on ‘asserted Metis rights’
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KAMLOOPS — Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Chief Rosanne Casimir has issued a statement regarding ‘asserted Metis rights’.
“The Secwepemc Nation has grave concerns regarding any assertion of Metis rights within Secwepemculecw. There has never been a Metis community within Secwepemculecw capable of holding rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982,” reads the release. “Any assertions of site-specific Metis rights within Secwepemculecw are unsubstantiated, contrary to Secwepemc and Canadian Law, and inconsistent with our jurisdiction over our lands and waters.”
“While we strenuosly oppose any assertion of Metis rights within Secwepemculecw, we recognize that Metis individuals may hold and exercise constitutionally protected rights within the Metis homeland as identified by the Metis Nation Council. This homeland does not overlap with Secwepemculecw,” continues the release.
“The Secwepemc Nation opposes any consultation with Metis groups within Secwepemculecw and will take all necessary steps to protect our rights from unsubstantiated assertions of Metis rights within our homelands.”
