Up until Thursday the Metis people did not receive access to a whole series of programs and benefits that are available to First Nations people.

President of the Metis Nation of Alberta Audrey Poitras says it's a huge victory for them but is saddened that the person who started this battle wasn't around to see the victory for teh Metis people yesterday afternoon.

"For us it's a long awaited decision, when we look back and think that Harry Daniels started this case way back in 1999 and it's sad to say passed away before he was able to see the results of it."

She says the decision means that the federal government now has constitutional responsibility for Metis and Non-status Indians.

She says there is a lot of work to do yet with provincial and federal government but she says there's support and a willingness to come to the table for open discussions from all levels of government.

The federal court ruled on Thursday afternoon that Metis and Non-status Indians qualify as Indians under the Constitution act of 1867, and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

Audrey Poitras, President of the Metis Nation of Alberta says they are finally eligible for the same benefits as other Indians but knows it'll take a little time to get them.

"We do know that First-Nation and Inuit have health benefits, have education benefits,  have all of those kinds of things which us Metis do not and we know it won't change over night."

She says the ruling will affect over 600,000 Metis and Non-status Indians but the victory is bitter sweet that people like Harry Daniels wasn't around to see the day.

"I guess we can't live in the past but we always say is it is those people who started the process have had a greater benefit for my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren and I think that's what we have to look forward to."