'Not backing down on this': Sask. Indigenous leaders call on province to improve consultation ahead of Crown land auctions
Indigenous leaders across Saskatchewan are calling on the provincial government to halt an upcoming Crown land auction and to improve the consultation process moving forward.
On Jan. 31, the Ministry of Agriculture is scheduled to host an online auction for the lease of Crown land for agriculture purposes. The highest bidders in the auction will receive parcels of land for up to 33 years.
Indigenous leaders and their community members say this goes against their Treaty rights.
“Crown land sale leases that are up to 33 years result in unjustifiable infringement of our Treaty rights to meaningfully hunt, trap, fish, harvest and gather within our traditional territories,” Chief Henry Lewis of Onion Lake Cree Nation said on Monday.
Members of his community use the land surrounding their reserve for those practices, but won’t be able to continue doing so if the land is auctioned off.
Terri Quinney, the duty to consult coordinator for Onion Lake Cree Nation, said she found out about the upcoming auction two weeks ago when browsing online.
“We didn’t receive no notices, no nothing.” Quinney said.
“The only reason why follow up is occurring is because we initiated it. How many other nations have been missed?” Quinney said.
She said it’s premature for the province to put the auction on its website without thoroughly consulting Indigenous communities first.
"We’re not backing down on this. It’s good to see other nations here but we need more nations to come forward and say what the problems are that they’re having too.”
Saskatchewan’s NDP is joining in on the call to halt the upcoming land auction and is asking for improved consultation going forward.
“When the government intentionally restricts the consultation process, it’s no wonder Indigenous communities feel ignored and disrespected,” NDP MLA Betty Nippi-Albright said, adding that any consultation that may be taking place is currently minimal at best.
In a statement, the Government of Saskatchewan said it reviewed its First Nation and Metis Consultation Policy Framework in the summer and fall of 2022. It said that has included conversations with First Nation and Metis communities about the successes, strengths and opportunities to improve the current framework and said that continues to be ongoing.
Before leasing or selling Crown land, the government said the ministry reviews each parcel consistent with that framework to determine if the duty to consult is triggered.
“The Ministry of Agriculture consults with potentially affected First Nation and Metis communities in advance of auctions,” the statement said.
Members from Ochapowace First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Peepeekisis Cree Nation and more were present at the Saskatchewan Legislature on Monday.
Some leaders say if the land auction on Jan. 31 goes ahead, they will pursue legal action.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.