Métis men face hunting, fishing charges

Three Métis men from Meadow Lake were in court mid-January, charged with hunting or fishing without a licence. They were separately charged in 2012, 2013 and 2014 as they were harvesting animals and fish at least 30 kilometres away from their home community. Defence lawyer Kathy Hodgson-Smith argued that all Métis in the province belong to one traditional homeland. More than 45 community witnesses spoke during seven days of the trial. Hodgson-Smith anticipates the Crown will argue that Métis hunting rights are site-specific. The trial is to continue in June when historical experts are expected to take the stand.