Section 23 Rights
Before the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Bill 101 required commercial signs to be written only in this language.
What is French?
These documents, issued from 1875–79, could be exchanged for land but often forced the Métis to move west.
What is scrip?
Unlike First Nations, the Métis did not sign these agreements with Canada’s government.
What are historic treaties (Numbered Treaties)?
The Métis sent several of these to the Canadian government to protect their land rights, but the government did not reply.
What are petitions?
A 1988 Supreme Court decision ruled that Québec could require French on signs, but could not completely ban this second language.
What is English?
The Manitoba Act promised Métis land rights after this 1869–1870 political uprising led by Louis Riel.
What is the Red River Resistance?
Many Métis moved west into Saskatchewan and Alberta after being unable to use scrip to build these.
What are large, collective Métis land bases or communities?
At the time, many Anglophones agreed with Riel’s execution, while this group strongly opposed it.
Who are Francophones?
Bill 101 declares that this group is a “distinct people” whose identity is expressed through their language.
Who are Francophones in Québec?
This idea explains that Métis rights come from being First Peoples and are not granted by governments.
What are inherent rights?
These two Alberta organizations represent Métis people today and express perspectives on Métis collective rights.
What are the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements General Council?
Today, many people consider Riel this type of nation-building figure for standing up for Métis and Francophone rights.
What is a Father of Confederation?