Saskatoon, Sept. 7, 2022 – The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to ensure there is meaningful participation in their First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF), especially as it relates to Treaty and Aboriginal Rights, and Traditional uses of Land and Resources.

• Treaty and Aboriginal rights, such as the right to hunt, fish and trap for food on unoccupied Crown lands and other lands to which First Nations and Métis have a right of access for these purposes; and

• Traditional uses of land and resources, such as the gathering of plants for food and medicinal purposes and the carrying out of ceremonial and spiritual observances and practices on unoccupied Crown lands and other lands to which First Nations and Métis have a right of access for these purposes.

On Sept. 1, the Government of Saskatchewan announced they were looking for feedback on future revisions and not current policy, which negatively impacts the ability of First Nation and Métis communities to participate in Saskatchewan’s economy and contribute to the GDP.

“The Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s mandate is to educate and inform all people of the issues and matters that impact, in particular, the Treaty rights of First Nations Treaty people,” said Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson.

“It is up to the OTC to speak out on this critical matter and we are requesting a formal discussion with the First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Ministry. We want to see full engagement as laid out in the numbered Treaties, the UNDRIP Articles, and the TRC Calls to Action.”

The day the request for feedback was made, the OTC team was meeting with Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation on the very issue of consultation as failed Duty to Consult policies along with industry and proponent actions have been continuously affecting their stewardship and participation in the economy.

The Government of Saskatchewan needs to be setting the bar for consultation by having true and meaningful engagement with First Nation and Métis communities, and holding others as accountable.

For more information or to request an interview with the Treaty Commissioner, contact:
Ursula Swindler
306.244.2100
uswindler@otc.ca