Tue Dec 2, 12:12 PM
By The Canadian Press
EDMONTON - Alberta Metis are suing the province over what they say is their constitutional right to hunt and fish for food.
The lawsuit calls on the province to allow Metis to harvest wildlife on all unoccupied Crown land throughout the province.
It's a case that is being watched by governments across Western Canada as Metis groups try to negotiate hunting and fishing rights with their provinces.
Alberta once recognized Metis hunting rights but changed its policy in July 2007 when it restricted harvesting to small areas around eight settlements and 17 communities in northern Alberta.
Since the restrictions, the province has charged 25 individual Metis with illegal hunting.
The Metis Nation of Alberta's statement of claim says the province is undermining their people's ability to enjoy their way of life, maintain their relationship to the land and pass on their customs to future generations.