SASKATOON — The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations again rebuked the provincial government for what it perceives as a lack of consultation with Indigenous leadership concerning land-related matters. The FSIN has rejected Saskatchewan's newly revised consultation policy framework, a move recommended by the chiefs representing the 74-member First Nations.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron states that the provincial government's consultation efforts with First Nations communities require significant improvement. These consultations are essential concerning Crown Land Sales, legislation impacting Indigenous Peoples, or resource development within their Treaty-protected rights and traditional territories.
"The absence of meaningful consultation is deeply concerning. The province persists in devising ineffective policies, passing laws, and introducing initiatives that exclude our people. When a Nation challenges the province in court, the government inundates the proceedings with multiple motions, ultimately stalling the legal process and escalating the financial burden on our Nation," said Cameron.
"This is precisely why our Nations are unwilling to participate in revising the province's already deeply flawed consultation policy. We categorically reject their Consultation Policy Framework, which, in our view, holds no relevance for our Treaty Nations. Our Treaty rights take precedence over provincial legislation. These Treaties are bilateral agreements between Nations and are internationally binding on Canada."
Last year, the province announced its intent to review the First Nations and Métis Consultation Policy Framework. The CPF serves as a guideline for consulting with Indigenous Peoples, delineating the roles and responsibilities of the government and First Nations when the duty to consult is triggered.
In February 2023, the Chiefs of Saskatchewan adopted a resolution mandating that FSIN abstain from providing input to the province's Consultation Policy Review. The Saskatchewan Chiefs dismissed any future iterations of the CPF proposed by the region. Instead, the Chiefs instructed FSIN to collaborate with the Nations in formulating a comprehensive Duty to Consult, Accommodate, and Reconcile Framework.
FSIN Fourth Vice Chief Heather Bear, who oversees the Lands and Resources portfolio, underscored the ramifications of the province's lack of consultation with First Nations.
"The absence of engagement with our communities will inevitably sow uncertainty across the province, particularly concerning our Treaty-protected areas and potential developmental activities," Bear said.
"It is evident that our inherent Treaty rights are being disregarded — one need only glance at the numerous First Nations currently challenging this administration's policies in court. Regrettably, the province is unwilling to collaborate on matters that directly impact our rights. True Treaty relationships should be founded on acknowledging rights, mutual respect, cooperation, and partnership. Regrettably, our current interactions with the province exhibit none of these qualities. The benefits of the Treaties should extend to all parties, with First Nations reaping significant advantages."
