FSIN takes action against Saskatchewan First Act, pushes for resource revenue sharing

“The province of Saskatchewan does not have the jurisdiction to claim exclusive ownership of natural resources. The province was created after the signing of Treaties. First Nations through Treaties, maintain our rights to make decisions about their lands, resources, waters, and Nations. Lands that our ancestors inhabited and cared for long before the settlers arrived,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. The FSIN believes that the province of Saskatchewan does not have the legal authority to assert exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources as Treaties signed with First Nations take precedence and pre-date the creation of the government. The province must recognize First Nations Inherent and Treaty rights to natural resources and implement revenue-sharing policies. This must become standard practice in Saskatchewan to ensure First Nations have the opportunity to participate in today’s economy and build strong communities.

FSIN leadership says the Saskatchewan First Act demonstrates complete disregard for First Nations’ Inherent and Treaty rights. The Act goes against First Nations Constitutional rights to the lands, resources, and waters in the province of Saskatchewan and does not include consideration of Section 35 rights.

“It’s evident that First Nations are not benefitting from the Treaty re- lationship when First Nations communities struggle to maintain necessities for life, clean drinking water, adequate housing and food. Assimilation policies have negatively impacted our people and our exclusion from natural resources stands to further exclude our people from benefitting from the rich resources in our land. Treaty rights have long been ignored and in the spirit of reconciliation, we ask the province to provide a way for our governments to work together to build strong First Nations communities and make out people part of the economy,” said FSIN Forth Vice Chief Heather Bear and FSIN Lands and Resources portfolio chairperson. The Saskatchewan First Act disregards the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) which has been recognized by Canada.

“Premier Scott Moe and his gov- ernment have repeatedly used the Treaties as a reason to exclude First Nations from some provincial revenue programs and natural resource revenue sharing, saying First Nations are a federal responsibility. We know that the Treaties with our First Nations Chiefs were signed with the intent of land sharing and maintaining access to resources for our future generations. They didn’t anticipate this right being severed by a division of governance responsibilities,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 73 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

As a milder, kinder season unfolds, winter finally yields to the anticipation of summer. We each bear our unique perceptions of spring, shaped by local climate, culture, and customs. Growth is evident - in plants, life itself, and within us as we ready ourselves for the days to come. We cherish the sun’s extended embrace, providing opportunities to grasp our goals and employ the tools that surround us daily, waiting to be utilized.

It may appear to be a contest for the fittest, yet it’s our shared understanding with neighbors that prioritize health - both physical and mental. As we acknowledge the benefits of good nutrition and a positive outlook, we recognize that our gardens can sustain us, nourishing our bodies and futures. They are a testament to the existence and importance of plant life and wise choices.

Teachings arise from the questions of our younger generation and ourselves. We explore new skills and hobbies, for we all con - tinue to navigate learning curves. In education, the exchange of knowledge and experience is a collaborative endeavor. May each day bring you a sense of accomplishment. If today isn’t marked by a significant achievement, hold fast, and strive for it tomorrow and in the days ahead. For those facing challenges, remember your inner strength and know that you can overcome them. Take care and may the spirit of spring uplift you all.

Ekosi, Jordan LaPlante, Editor

New treaty policy to transform Canada-Indigenous relationships From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

OTTAWA - In a joint announcement made February 28, 2023, Aluki Kotierk, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Eva Clayton, President of Nisga’a Nation, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, revealed the release of Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy.

The policy was developed collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Modern Treaty partners during the summer and fall of 2022. Its main purpose is to ensure the full, effective, and timely implementation of all existing and future Modern Treaties in Canada, with the aim of promoting a systemic change in institutional culture.

The Policy’s fundamental principles will direct federal officials in uphold-

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Designer: Alexandra Jarrett axisimageryyxe@gmail.com ing the spirit and intent of Modern Treaties and will provide clear guidelines to deputy heads on their responsibilities for overseeing the complete, timely, and effective implementation of Modern Treaties. The policy aims to encourage change within the federal system, both at an individual and systems level. Furthermore, it requires that legislative, policy, and program design consider and reflect the specific circumstances of each Modern Treaty partner, recognizing that Modern Treaty partners are a distinct group within distinctions-based approaches.

This marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Indigenous–Crown intergovernmental relationships, ensuring that Canada fulfills its obligations as a Treaty partner while also implementing the goals and ob- jectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The announcement is welcomed by Indigenous leaders and advocates, who have long called for a more collaborative approach to treaty implementation. According to Kotierk, “This policy represents a historic opportunity to foster a new relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. We hope that this marks the beginning of a new era of partnership and cooperation.”

Similarly, Clayton praised the policy for recognizing the unique circumstances of each Modern Treaty partner, saying that “this policy reflects the diverse perspectives and voices of Indigenous peoples, and is a testament to the power of collaboration and cooperation.”

The editorial policy of this newspaper is determined by an editorial committee established by Indigenous Times. We invite submissions, upcoming events, comments, and opinions. Please submit them with your name, address, telephone number or e-mail. The expressions and/or opinions of authors published in the current issue of Indigenous Times are not necessarily those of Indigenous Times or the editorial committee. No part of this publication in whole or in part may be reproduced, translated into another language, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without consent of Indigenous Times. Products, names, logos, design titles, words, or phrases within this publication may be trademarks, servicemarks, or tradenames on their own or otherwise may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

The release of the Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy signals a significant step forward in Indigenous-Crown relations and treaty implementation in Canada.