The appellants, Coast Salish Indians, were convicted of hunting deer out of season contrary to the provincial Wildlife Act.
They argued the deer was killed to obtain raw meat for an ancient religious burning ceremony, and that the hunting prohibition interfered with their freedom of religion and aboriginal rights.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the killing of the deer was not itself a religious practice, but merely the motive for the offence.
The Court further held that the Wildlife Act is a law of general application that does not impair the status and capacities of Indians.
