The Metis Nation-Saskatchewan is joining a growing list of Indigenous organizations speaking out against the provincial government’s Saskatchewan First Act.
The act was introduced earlier this month and would include stronger jurisdiction for the provincial government over natural resources.
The Metis Nation put out a statement following the announcement of the act saying they were disappointed in the proposed legislation saying it does not advance Indigenous rights.
At the Metis Nation’s legislative assembly this past weekend delegates joined the MN-S and passed a motion unanimously rejecting the Saskatchewan First Act.
In a statement, the Metis Nation says the legislation disregards Indigenous reights when it comes to natural resource development.
“Métis in Saskatchewan, and our government, want to see Saskatchewan prosper, but it cannot be achieved through the denial of our inherent rights,” said President Glen McCallum in the statement released by the MN-S. “Our Métis ancestors built communities in Saskatchewan that are thriving to this day. They once prospered on the natural resource wealth of these lands. The rights of Métis peoples are constitutionally protected and must be reflected in Saskatchewan’s approach to natural resource development.”
Other Indigenous organizations including the FSIN, the File Hiles Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, also put out statements against the Saskatchewan First Act citing concerns over Indigenous rights over natural resources.
The government continues to assert that the proposed legislation would not detract Treaty rights for Indigenous people found in the constitution.
(PHOTO – The 2022 Fall Metis Nation Legislative Assembly. Photo posted to the MN-S Facebook.)