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Sacred Sites

As resource developments increase on First Nation lands and Treaty territories, there is a growing demand by First Nations for FSIN to provide policy, planning and strategic development advice, information and assistance. However, despite the limited technical capacity in this area, the LRS has been providing assistance to First Nations when requested.  Following is a brief description of some of the components included and work conducted addressing sacred sites/land use. 

First Nation Legislation for Sacred Site Protection
The LRS has drafted legislation and a policy pertaining to the protection and preservation of First Nations sacred sites not only on reserves but within ancestral lands and territories. This came about through Procedural Resolution #1535, where FSIN was instructed to develop legislation and policy regarding the identification and protection of sacred sites and traditional lands. The draft policy/legislation will be presented to the Commission for review. The LRS has also drafted a proposal to secure funding for a full time archeologist to assist in the identification, preservation and protection of First Nations sacred sites on reserve lands and within ancestral territories. Identifying a funding source through existing federal and provincial departments and agencies is the next hurdle to overcome.

Burial Sites in the Provincial Parks and on Crown Lands – First Nations are very concerned with burial grounds and other sacred sites located beyond the reserve boundaries.  Saskatchewan’s parkland belt contains an array of unmarked First Nation burial and other sacred sites.  Many have been used since time immemorial to the late 1950’s, with individuals interred in these locations remembered by living relatives.  The LRS is continuing in its efforts to assist First Nations in recording these sites for fear that they may get desecrated when forestry, mining and oil and gas activities occur in these areas.

Monitoring First Nations Heritage/Sacred Sites in Resource Developments – A First Nation in Southern Saskatchewan requested assistance in the mitigation of an archeological site on a coal mine expansion. These sites were within the footprint and it will be a couple of years before the mining activity reaches the archaeological site. Arrangements have been made by the company to have the site reconstructed in a new location. Artifacts that may be found during the mitigation project will be housed at the First Nation's own interpretive and cultural centre.