SASKATOON — Metis Nation-Saskatchewan will reform and reinstate its Harvesting Advisory Working Group to ensure the spirit of conversation of wildlife and its resources.
The assembled panel will provide meaningful insight and direction to ensure Métis harvesting is grounded in our identity, culture, values and traditions.
Métis history is filled with its citizens seeking self-determination, with community and culture informing our relationship with nature and each other.
Harvesting was Métis people’s traditional way of life and remained an integral part of life for many before Canada’s expansion.
Métis ancestors lived off the land, sharing their knowledge of best harvesting practices with their children and grandchildren and forging important transportation routes still used today.
The MN-S, since 2010, and Saskatchewan provincial government have been engaged in harvesting conversations. In 2019, the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to move negotiations forward.
MN-S Vice President and Ministers of Justice Michelle LeClair said MN-S recognizes the importance of harvesting among Métis people across the province.
We remain dedicated to reaching an agreement that supports the ability of our citizens to provide sustenance for their families. We want to engage more of our citizens in the process to ensure we are laying a good foundation for the future,” said LeClair.
“It is in good faith and on behalf of our Métis citizens that MN–S continues to sit with the Saskatchewan government and work toward an appropriate harvesting agreement.”
She also acknowledged the frustration of Métis citizens due to the limited recognition of their harvesting rights and regulations across Saskatchewan.
Currently, rights are won on a case-by-case basis and are limited to Métis citizens connected to their historical communities located within the Métis Harvesting Zones, which are limited mainly to the boundaries of the Northern Administrative District.
The current situation results in unequal recognition of Métis harvesting rights and confusion regarding the application of court rulings for Métis and those responsible for policy implementation.
MN-S has been working with the province to provide greater clarity and equity. In 2019, the Harvesting Advisory group guided MN-S and the province to achieve the Affirmation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Métis Food Harvesting Rights, which provided a path forward to further negotiations.
In 2022 MN-S launched a series of citizen surveys to understand current practices and subsistence harvesting needs better.
MN-S will continue to engage directly with citizens to gather critical data while relying on the Harvesting Advisory working group to ensure any solutions to this vital issue are grounded in, strengthen, and affirm Métis culture.
The announcement is a commitment to return to that respectful process and ensure cultural continuity for Métis across Saskatchewan.
