Ruling on rights   Play video Feds to appeal landmark ruling on Metis and non-status Indians Metis victory highlights mistakes in law Court decision on Metis and non-treaty Indians could be costly

OTTAWA - The government is considering its next steps following a Federal Court decision Tuesday that grants Metis and off-reservation Indians the same status as other First Nations in a 13-year-long court case aboriginal people call a victory.

This means 600,000 Metis and non-status Indians in Canada are "Indians" under the federal Constitution Act and are entitled to legal access to education, health care benefits and negotiation rights in land claims.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan did not acknowledge the near-certainty that the government will appeal and push the case to the Supreme Court, although spokesman Jan O'Driscoll said the government was reviewing the decision.