Saskatchewan Government Caters To Industry In Land Sales

Tuesday, 15 June 2010 16:39

(Saskatoon, SK) Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish is calling for a moratorium on further land sales made by the Saskatchewan Government. The FSIN is extremely concerned that the provincial government continues to move forward amidst First Nations’ expressed opposition to the land sales. This was exacerbated by a rally that was held on May 18 in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature. Equally disconcerting is the fact that the Saskatchewan Government is not considering the most important element and that is ‘Saskatchewan communities’.

“After all the damage is done, after all the resources have vanished,” says Vice Chief Whitefish. “who is left to live with the mess that industry leaves behind and who will repair the wounds that have been inflicted upon our lands: it will be the people of Saskatchewan.” Vice Chief Whitefish further states, “First Nations people and those communities who are our neighbours are being left out of these important discussions. We all have a right to have a say on what developmental impacts are occurring in our communities and our surrounding territories.”

The problem is government is making no serious effort to consult the people of Saskatchewan. The Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA) and the Soldier Settlement Board remain outstanding issues between the government and First Nations. The First Nations’ opposition to the provincial government’s land sale revolves around free, prior and informed consent and the duty to consult and accommodate. The FSIN has prepared a detailed model consultation process and procedure on consultation and accommodation for First Nations to adopt, which was designed to provide certainty to First Nations, government, industry, and the general public. It is a shame that the government chooses to ignore this process.

“We must put a stop to this government’s lack of effort and willingness to consult and accommodate; and we must prohibit industry from dictating to the people of Saskatchewan how our lands will be exploited without the proper environmental protections and measures in place,” says Vice Chief Whitefish. “I believe we have a moral obligation as communities, as friends, and as allies to work together in putting a halt to further developments of our lands in Saskatchewan, until government complies with its legal obligation to consult and accommodate.”

The FSIN will continue to support First Nations in Saskatchewan to ensure that the Ministry respects their legal and constitutional obligations as it relates to the duty to consult and accommodate First Nations, and that any proposed and/or legislative or policy changes on provincial environmental laws will be opposed until the province consults with and accommodates the First Nations regarding their Inherent and Treaty rights.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

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