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DECEMBER 6, 2000

The Samson Cree Nation in Alberta will defend their sovereignty in a lawsuit against the Canadian government.

But in a different and potentially significant case, the Samson will be allowed to argue their rights as an independent sovereign nation, not as one recognized under the framework of the federal government. A federal court judge said the Samson can argue their status in a case involving the government's Indian Act.

Under the Act, aboriginal women who married non-Native men had their membership in bands and First Nations terminated. As a result, 16 women who have filed suit were denied royalty payments.

The Samson Nation argues it alone, and not the government, has the right to determine its membership. They point to the fact that Chief Maskeeptoon, or Broken Arm, signed various treaties with the United States governemnt.

The judge noted this is the first time in the country's history a First Nation will be able to argue its independent sovereignty.

In a separate case, the Samson are suing the government for $1.4 billion, alleging mismanagement of oil royalities.

Get the Story:
Court rules native band can argue sovereignty (Southam News 12/6)

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