The Ministry of Government Relations has revised Provincial Capital Commission bylaws, governing activities at Wascana Park.
The bylaws released earlier this week, still rely on individuals and groups to apply for a permit with consideration reasons for the permit.
“Concerning the bylaw changes, previously, they contained general prohibitions on certain types of activities (setting up an overnight structure in Wascana Centre for example),” said Jonathan Tremblay, Director of Communications for Government Relations.
“Now, our bylaws have been revised to regulate activities through the permitting process. That means that anyone can apply for a specific activity (such as setting up an overnight structure) through the PCC’s permitting process that takes into consideration the applicant’s Charter Rights and balances these rights against competing demands on the use of space in Wascana Centre.”
But for both organizers of the Justice For Our Stolen Children Camp and Tristen Durocher’s 44-day protest, neither applied for a permit expressing concerns that their application would be denied.
In September, a Court of Queen’s Bench Justice ruled the bylaws were unconstitutional as it did not accommodate freedom of spiritual expression.
“What needs to happen is there needs to be space there for Indigenous People to do a ceremony in urban space,” explained NDP MLA Betty Nippi-Albright. “It just really goes to show that if we’re really sure that we really want to address reconciliation, and accommodate people, and especially Indigenous People that many don’t have access to a place to gather for ceremonies.”
The language of the new bylaws still does not permit encampments, scared fires or Indigenous structures and does not address First Nations ceremonies.
Nippi-Albright said the permitting process is more of a roadblock for Indigenous Peoples, meant to discourage them from protesting or gathering at Wascana Park.
“The PCC Board has also committed to carrying out additional public engagement and communication on how these bylaws will be implemented. This engagement will take place throughout 2021 and will include Indigenous groups,” explained Tremblay.
(Photo: Justice Four Our Stolen Children Camp)