First Nations mull legal action against province – Brandon Sun

Feb. 8, 2023

Manitoba First Nations are threatening to take legal action against the provincial government to stop Crown lands from being auctioned off for agricultural purposes.

Cathy Merrick, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), is calling on the province to discontinue online auctions this week, and all future auctions, until an agreement can be made with First Nations.

The current Crown land auction system, wherein agricultural producers can bid to lease land from the province, is a violation of treaty agreements and a breach of the government’s obligation to First Nations, Merrick said. It also prevents First Nations people from exercising their right to traditional practices such as hunting, fishing and trapping.

88 total views, 2 views today