The Manitoba Métis Federation's expressing their excitement over the recent Supreme Court of Canada Decision, which indicates Métis issues fall under the federal government's jurisdiction. MMF Minister of Housing and Property Development Will Goodon was in Ottawa for the decision, and says this will mark a vital change for the Métis people. He says they've been treated as a 'political football' with the provincial and federal governments skirting responsibility. While it's good news, Goodon says there are still some decisions to be made.

"The Métis People are going to have to decide what they want, what they need, what they feel this means for them. Does this mean education's more accessible for our youth? Does it mean the health issues that are facing our people are more directly addressed by the federal government, whether it's the diabetes, the cancer, or the other heart-breaking issues our people face every day?"

Goodon says this latest decision comes as part of a long line of victories for the Métis people over the last several years, describing their progress as 'Leaps and bounds'.

"It's more than just this one case. Over the last ten or 15 years, the Métis have moved their position in law in this country by leaps and bounds, starting with the decision that recognized our hunting rights, and Just a couple of years ago in 2013, with the Manitoba Métis Federation Case, the land-claims case, that's starting to move forward."

He emphasizes the recent decision doesn't grant any more rights to the Métis, but means the government has a responsibility to address their needs.

Meanwhile MMF Local president Larry Mclennen says it's too early to say just what this decision will mean. He describes it as another step toward major changes in the future, but admits more discussions will need to take place before the full scope of the decision's impact is understood.

"The federal government now has to sit up and take notice. They can't just brush it aside. It has to be dealt with. I'm glad it came to that. So now it can be talked about, analyzed, and we can have the meetings and see what it's really going to turn out to be in the end."

The decision put an end to a decades-long battle for the Métis, and McLennen admits there was a time when they weren't sure any changes wee going to occur. He credits the work of MMF President David Chartrand, for helping to bring this issue toward resolution.