Hunting rights lead to abuse of Métis 

I am writing this letter in regards to how some people feel about Métis harvesting rights. Yes, Métis people did get granted their hunting rights, which was long past overdue. Yes, some Métis wish to abuse that right and not follow the rules and regulations when it comes to our limitations on how we are allowed to hunt. However, that is no reason for some people to think it is okay to bash the Métis people. I was reading one article in your magazine and someone said that we don't have to prove our status. You're so wrong in so many ways. Any Métis who wishes to prove their status is in for a long ride. I should know; I am 18-years-old and I am still waiting for my Métis card. My child Métis card would not cut it. I had to do the research and I am still waiting – five months later. In addition, if you are wishing to prove your status you have to find ancestors that are in the 1880s. That's why the people that write all these things should really just take a moment to find out the facts. It is pretty upsetting for me because I am so young to feel that there is nothing but hatred for the Métis people ever since we got these rights. People need to understand that the Métis that follow the rules when it comes to hunting are the ones that feel they need to apologize for the ones that don't, which shouldn't be the case at all. Everyone has their own choice how they are going to live their lives and you cannot try to make the rest of the Métis people pay for that.   

Kelly Quintal 
Fort McMurray, Alberta

Handcuffed

It takes a special person to pursue fish and wildlife enforcement as a career. It can be very frustrating to see political decisions that can adversely affect conservation efforts, such as more unlicensed, unregulated hunting and fishing by Métis, and more than likely less use of our resources by licence-buying outdoorsman. It is unfortunate that the rules in this province are not applied equally. The game wardens’ hands are tied and have no say on these issues.   

Frank Zasadny 
Lethbridge, Alberta

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