FSIN Issues Call For Gun Registry Exemption

FSIN Issues Call For Gun Registry Exemption

Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 15:02

A call is going out for First Nations to be declared exempt from the federal gun registry, now that it has survived a vote in the House of Commons.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation argues that it is common practice under treaty for First Nations to receive ammunition as part of their annuity payments.

Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish says First Nations in Saskatchewan have been threatened with Criminal Code violations for practicing their livelihood — and the registry results in them being labelled as criminals.

The FSIN also notes, that on December 18th, 2000, all First Nations in the province signed a declaration affirming their freedom to carry firearms without restriction.

The federation says it has prepared its own model for the process to move forward.