Citations 2001 SCC 33 Docket number 27,066 | Docket No. 27066 Ruling court Supreme Court of Canada | |
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Full case name Minister of National Revenue v Grand Chief Michael Mitchell also known as Kanentakeron Prior history APPEAL from Mitchell v. M.N.R. 1998 CanLII 9104 (2 November 1998), affirming in part Mitchell v. Canada (Minister of National Revenue) 1997 CanLII 5266 (27 June 1997) Majority McLachlin CJ, joined by Gonthier, Iacobucci, Arbour and LeBel JJ Concurrence Binnie J, joined by Major J People also search for Paul v British Columbia (Forest Appeals Commission) | ||
Mitchell v MNR, [2001] 1 S.C.R. 911 is a leading Supreme Court of Canada decision on aboriginal rights under section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982. The court held that Mitchell's claim to an aboriginal right to import goods across the Canada–US border was invalid as he was unable to present enough evidence showing that the importation was an integral part of the band's distinctive culture.
In 1988, Grand Chief Michael Mitchell, a Mohawk of Akwesasne, attempted to bring goods from the US into Canada. At the border he declared everything that he had purchased in the US but refused to pay any duty on it, claiming that he had an aboriginal right to bring goods across the border.
At trial, the Federal Court agreed with Mitchell and held that there was an aboriginal right to import goods. The decision was upheld by the Federal Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court overturned the decision, and held that Mitchell was required to pay duty for all of the goods he imported.