By Jill Sperling / James Peters

Local Metis leader overjoyed by SCOC ruling

Apr 15, 2016 | 11:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled Metis and non-status Indians are considered Indians as defined by the constitution. 

For many, this has been a long-sought after ruling. 

Colleen Lucier is the executive director for Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services. She says Metis people will now have a stronger sense of pride and belonging. 

“I think it’s going to do a lot for our children and youth to identify themselves as Metis people and to start learning about the incredible history they come from and the incredible resilient people that they are from,” said Lucier.

Lucier says there’s still a long road ahead when it comes to determining what rights and privileges accompany the ruling, but it’s the recognition that is most important to her. 

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“For generations, our people haven’t always been recognized. Our ancestors, this is what they’ve been fighting for, to be recognized as a nation of people with a very distinct culture,” said Lucier.