Manitoba Metis Federation accuses conservation officers of forgery in night hunting investigation

The Manitoba Metis Federation is demanding an investigation into what it says was a forged confession in a night hunting case involving two Metis men.

The federation said two men were driving down a side road near Lundar, Man., in November 2015 when they were pulled over by conservation officers and charged with hunting at night with spotlights.

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“I didn’t know what was going on,” said Mitchel Lestrat. “He leaps out of the vehicle, he pulls his gun, he’s yelling at the driver to turn off the vehicle.”

Lestrat and his friend Jordan Thorsteinson were arrested and charged with hunting at night with a light. Both denied the charges and claimed they were just driving around.

Ahead of their trial date, defense lawyers for the duo were shown what appeared to be a signed confession. However, their lawyer and the MMF believe it was forged.

“(Jordan) said that is not my signature,” said lawyer Jessica Saunders. “We believe the signature isn’t authentic.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "(Jordan) said that is not my signature," said lawyer Jessica Saunders. "We believe the signature isn't authentic."

Saunders hired a handwriting expert who reviewed a number of signed documents  and came to the same conclusion.

“It is my professional expert opinion Jordan Thorsteinson did not sign his signature on the questioned document,” said Wendy Carlson, in her 12-page report.

Both men were eventually acquitted of the charges last month.

Now, both, along with the Manitoba Metis Federation, want a provincial investigation.

“This is absolutely wrong,” said MMF president David Chartrand. “This is a shame on this government if they are going to let this slide by. If I don’t see the premier taking action immediately, then we will.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is absolutely wrong," said MMF president David Chartrand. "This is a shame on this government if they are going to let this slide by. If I don't see the premier taking action immediately, then we will."

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said tensions have been rising since January, when Premier Brian Pallister said the dispute over indigenous hunting rights was becoming a race war.

“There is a low scale, yet intense war against indigenous hunters out on the land,” said Nepinak.

READ MORE: Manitoba Premier says night hunting creating ‘race war’

Chartrand wants the provincial government to investigate and press charges if necessary.

While the province has not agreed to an investigation, Sustainable Development Minister Kathy Cox said there would be serious concerns if officers didn’t follow protocols.

“Manitoba Conservation officers follow a code of conduct,” said Cox. “They treat everyone in a respectful and fair manner. That’s what’s expected of them.”