The File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council says it stands in support of the Muscowpetung First Nation in exercising and asserting sovereignty over lands and governance.
The First Nation recently passed a Cannabis Act, which defined regulations, laws and governed marijuana on-reserve.
“There have been many instances in Canada and Saskatchewan’s past that have been unjust and even their courts have recognized time-and-time again that jurisdiction belongs to First Nations over their own lands,” said FHQ Tribal Council Chief Edmond Bellegarde. “We stand in support of our member Nations asserting and exercising their inherent rights and governing over their jurisdiction.”
The Tribal Council says the Muscowpetung framework meets or exceeds federal and provincial standards.
“Along with recreational use, Muscoweptung will be focused on using the cannabis plant to promote overall community health benefits and potential economic development opportunities,” explained Muscowpetung First Nation Chief Anthony Cappo.
The FSIN and the government are asserting jurisdiction over marijuana.
“The federal government has delegated through its responsibility for licensing and regulating cannabis retailers to the province,” Justice Minister Don Morgan said. “So, it would be our position that somebody setting one up without a provincial licence would not be legal, would not be authorized.”
A meeting between the Muscowpetung and Morgan is scheduled for next week. A letter from the SLGA to Chief Cappo says the First Nation does not have a license to sell recreational marijuana, and that the continued sale could put customers at risk. The letter does not address legal enforcement or make any threats.
(With files from Fraser Needham)
(PHOTO: File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council logo. Courtesy of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Facebook.)