(File Photo/650 CKOM)

By paNOW staff

DUTY TO CONSULT

FSIN rejects new provincial policy on duty to consult with First Nations

Aug 11, 2023 | 5:04 PM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) said it does not accept the Province’s revised consultation policy with First Nations and Metis people.

On Friday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the revised policy framework, which will be implemented next year. The new framework will reportedly strengthen relationships and improve timelines for First Nation and Métis communities’ participation in consultations.

Don McMorris, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and northern affairs, said the changes were informed by First Nations and Métis communities and organizations through consultation last year.

However, in a news release, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said the province has a bad track record when it comes to consulting with First Nations, adding that the government continues to create legislation that excludes Indigenous people.

“When a Nation challenges the province in court, the province will file motion after motion, delaying the court proceedings and increasing legal costs for our Nations,” said Cameron. “This is why our Nations don’t want to contribute to revising the province’s already deeply flawed consultation policy. We reject their Consultation Policy Framework, and such framework does not apply to our Treaty Nations.”

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Engagement with First Nations and Métis leaders happened in the summer and fall of 2022, though McMorris admitted that only a small percentage of the groups surveyed responded to the province.

“By December 2022, we had feedback from 31 per cent of First Nations and 38 per cent of Métis locals,” he said.

“The feedback that we received from all participants aligned with our objectives to advance reconciliation, drive economic activity for the benefit of all Saskatchewan residents, and foster meaningful and productive relationships between First Nations and Métis communities, government, and proponents.”

In February 2023, the Chiefs in Saskatchewan adopted a resolution saying that the FSIN should not provide comments to the province regarding its Consultation Policy Review and further rejected any revised framework put forth by the province in the future.

However, the Chiefs later directed that FSIN work with the First Nations and put forth a proposal regarding the parameters of a Duty to Consult, Accommodate, and Reconcile Framework.

“The lack of consultation with First Nations will only bring uncertainty to this province, particularly as it relates to our Treaty and traditional territories and any development that is proposed to occur on it,” said Vice Chief Heather Bear. “Just look at the number of First Nations that are currently challenging in court this government’s policies. It’s a shame that the province refuses to work with us on matters that impact our rights.”

The target date for the new policy to take effect and replace the former 2010 framework is January 2024.

–With files from 650 CKOM

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panews@pattisonmedia.com