"As the only elected Metis to the House of Assembly, I am outraged that the Premier could withdraw a commitment he made to the Labrador Metis Nation (LMN) so hastily without even the courtesy of a meeting," said Ms. Jones.

In October, the Powley decision issued by an Ontario court recognized the right and title of Metis people to lands, water and resources. At that time, Williams, who was in the middle of an election, put his legal mind to work reviewing the decision and then publicly committed to the LMN that any government he lead would uphold the rights of Metis people in Labrador.

"Clearly those words were to win votes from the 6000 strong Metis population in Labrador. The Premier has no intention of taking serious the claims of Metis people in the northern region. Metis people have enjoyed the privilege of hunting their own lands in the past few months, they have implemented their own policy guidelines and conservation measures for their members to follow. Williams’ decision to throw all of that out the legislative door and to prosecute the aboriginal members to the full extent of the law is a blatant and outrageous move that serves only to infuriate the people affected."

Jones says that Williams owes Metis members like herself an apology for misleading them during the election with false commitments.