What is the sparrow decision?

Answer 1

In 1990, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark ruling in the Sparrow decision. This decision found that the Musqueam First Nation has an Aboriginal right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes. The Court found that where an Aboriginal group has a right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, it takes priority, after conservation, over other uses of the resource. The Supreme Court also indicated the importance of consulting with Aboriginal groups when their fishing rights might be affected.

Answer 2

The sparrow decision refers to the legal case of Worcester v. Georgia (1832) in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Native American tribes were sovereign nations, with the power to govern themselves. This decision affirmed the rights of Native American tribes and limited the authority of states over tribal lands.