Canada has a section of the 1982 Constitution act, known as section 35. This section speaks specifically to the rights of the aboriginal community.
Aboriginal by this definition includes the Inuit, Indian, and Metis people of Canada.
It is designed to help preserve the traditional way of life of these communities, which includes the right to hunt and fish.
Can Metis hunt in Alberta without a license?
Yes, the Metis people can hunt and fish without the traditional licenses that are required by the general public.
However, there are still requirements to sign up for the Metis Nation of Alberta Harvesting program, and get an MNA card.
This card proves Metis status and allows for hunting and fishing with less restrictions as the general public.
For fishing, a Metis individual is still required to first get a 10 digit W.I.N. (Wildlife Management Number).
The W.I.N. is needed to get a Domestic Fishing License (DFL). Both the W.I.N. and the DFL are provided to you for free if you have an MNA card.
Full Alberta Metis Harvesting Rights Policy
A holder of an MNA card can hunt and fish beyond the geographic and seasonal limits that are in place for the general public.
However, there are still some limitations. Metis rights do not allow the right to hunt an endangered species.
Metis harvesting rights only extend to the specific harvesting regions.
MNA Harvesting Regions
There are 4 harvesting regions in Alberta. They are simply classified as Harvesting Area A, Harvesting Area B, Harvesting Area C, and Harvesting Area B.
They are all generally in the Northern regions of Alberta. Currently, there are legal battles ongoing to fight for Metis rights to the southern regions.
Everything You Need to Know about Metis Harvesting Rights
In Summary
- Metis people can hunt and fish without the traditional licenses
- If you qualify for Metis status in Alberta, you do not require standard licensing for hunting and fishing as the general public.
- You are still required to have the proper cards and documentation proving your status.
- Harvesting rights allow you to hunt and fish with less licensing and restrictions, though you can not hunt for an endangered species.
- At the moment, you are restricted to 4 harvesting regions in Alberta, mostly central and Northern.
- Ongoing legal battles are taking place to have those rights extended to Southern regions.
