Metis Leaders Impatient Over Pace Of Land Claim

Metis Leaders Impatient Over Pace Of Land Claim

Friday, December 02, 2005 at 14:46

Metis leaders in Saskatchewan are discussing some drastic measures to raise funds for a large land claim in northwest Saskatchewan.

Metis Nation of Saskatchewan president Dwayne Roth says they were informed in a meeting in Saskatoon yesterday that the total price tag for the legal action could be $10 million.

Metis National Council president Clem Chartier says others have estimated the cost at $40 million.

As a result, MNS treasurer Ray Laliberte says drastic action might have to be taken in order to see this process through — including “negotiating a nuclear waste site in the North and signing over Metis residential school claims”.

Roth agrees drastic measures might be needed, since the standard fundraising tactics haven’t been working.

Roth adds many Metis leaders have been complaining about the slow process of the land claim.

It was hoped it would go to trial in 2006 at around the same time the Manitoba Metis Federation’s land claim in downtown Winnipeg would be heard in court, but Roth concedes it will likely be 2007 or 2008 before the Saskatchewan claim goes to trial.