Indigenous leaders from various First Nation communities gathered at the Saskatchewan Legislature to raise concerns about the lack of proper consultation with Indigenous communities in the province. Mike Campeau, a trapper and hunter from the Yellow Quill First Nation, expressed frustration over gates being put up on provincial crown lands, hindering their ability to access these areas for traditional activities. He emphasized that this issue directly impacts his livelihood and inherent treaty rights. Betty Nippi-Albright, the Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Critic, highlighted the impact of lack of consultation on Indigenous people who use the lands for ceremonies, stating that it affects their way of life.
On January 1, the province implemented a revised First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework. Don McMorris, the Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, stated that the new policy is working effectively and they are open to revisiting it for improvements based on feedback. When asked about consultation with Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Minister McMorris mentioned engaging with a number of communities and receiving positive feedback on changes to make the policy more effective. However, Nippi-Albright criticized the government for inadequate consultation, noting that only a small percentage of First Nations and Métis locals were engaged in the process.
Indigenous leaders emphasized the importance of ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities to protect their treaty rights and way of life. They criticized the government for implementing policies that negatively impact their access to traditional lands and resources without proper consultation. The Duty to Consult Day of Action event served as a platform for Indigenous leaders to voice their concerns and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Despite the government’s assurance of engaging with communities, critics argue that meaningful consultation has not been prioritized by the Saskatchewan Party government.
The Indigenous leaders present at the event represented various First Nation communities, including Nekaneet First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation, Key First Nation, and the residential school support team from Yorkton Tribal Council. These leaders shared their personal experiences of the impact of lack of consultation on their communities and the need for government to respect their treaty rights. As they continue to advocate for their rights and raise awareness about the importance of meaningful consultation, Indigenous leaders are calling for action from the government to address their concerns and protect their way of life.
The ongoing battle over access to traditional lands and resources highlights the broader issue of Indigenous rights and the duty of governments to consult with Indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders are calling for a more inclusive and respectful approach to consultation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and upholding their treaty rights. As they continue to push for change and advocate for their communities, Indigenous leaders are working towards creating a more equitable and collaborative relationship with the government to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.Overall, the Duty to Consult Day of Action event served as a powerful demonstration of Indigenous solidarity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges and injustices.
