The protesters for the Justice for Our Stolen Children camp will formally meet with several provincial government ministers July 2 in Fort Qu’Appelle.
Camp spokesperson Robyn Pitawanakwat says Chief Edmund Bellegarde of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council helped to facilitate the meeting.
“I believe he’s the one that spoke to the provincial government and with us. He’s done a really good job in finding some mutual ground, literally in having it (the meeting) at the Treaty 4 signing grounds,” Pitawanakwat said.
With the camp now re-established and more teepees arriving by the day, the provincial government’s ambition to have the Wascana grounds cleared for Canada Day has evaporated.
Pitawanakwat says the Provincial Capital Commission has not approached the camp about sharing the space for the weekend’s festivities.
She says agenda items for the meeting will be set in the coming days.
“We’re not going in with a set outcome. I think that would be irresponsible to know what we’re going into before we do it. We’re very open to the meeting,” said Pitawanakwat.
Regina MP and Cabinet Minister Ralph Goodale says he is aware of the meeting, but at this time is not taking any role in the discussions, viewing it as a provincial matter.
The government confirms the July 2 meeting with Ministers Wyant, Morgan, Merriman, Kaeding and Cheveldayoff attending.
(PHOTO: Justice for Our Stolen Children camp at Wascana Park. Dan Jones.)