The Supreme Court of Canada today ruled that the term “Indian” found in federal legislation like the Indian Act and the Constitution Act, includes all Aboriginal peoples including Métis and non-Status Indians.

Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennet said the decision will help the federal government advance to real reconciliation with Metis and non-Status Indians.

To date Metis and non-Status Indigneous people have been counted as separate from Status Indians.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde said today’s Supreme Court of Canada decision is yet another example that colonial laws like the Indian Act are collapsing and First Nations and Canada must build a renewed nation-to-nation relationship.