FSIN calls on the Prime Minister to support comments made by Justice Minister Lametti to Rescind the 1930’s Natural Resource Transfer Agreement

Press Release

Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is issuing this response to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable David Lametti’s statement made last week to First Nations.

The FSIN directed Lametti to dissolve the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement created in the 1930s that gives administrative control over lands and natural resources to Albert, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

In a conversation with First Nations Chiefs and leaders at the national Assembly of First Nations meeting in Ottawa, Lametti said he was “looking at” rescinding the agreement.

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“First Nations have long made this claim that the provinces don’t own the natural resources and the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement is an illegal document, therefore the statement by David Lametti is fully supported by First Nations. We are looking forward to exercising our Treaty rights to natural resources in the province,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

“The acknowledgement from the federal government shows a government that wants true reconciliation. This will enable us to make decisions that are going to benefit all of us and our generations to come. Our ancestors are Treaty people and wanted to ensure that we would be able to make a living and prosper just as much as our white brothers and sisters. The sacred covenant was made with the Crown when the jurisdiction over lands and resources was illegal,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

“Treaties are international law and trump agreements made between governments. These are welcomed comments by the Honourable Minister of Justice, David Lametti. We encourage the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau to support his statement and carry out the necessary parliamentary motions to rescind the 1930s Natural Resource Transfer Agreement (NRTA) against the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. We hope the government will follow a path of true reconciliation and include economics. No First Nations should live in poverty, while wealth and prosperity grows around them. We have been battling poverty perpetuated by systemic discrimination for 150 years, and the NRTA is just another way the settlers ensured Indigenous people would remain left out and powerless,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

About FSIN
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.

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For more information or to arrange for an interview:

Lisa Risom
Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
10 – 134 Kahkewistahaw Crescent
Treaty Six Territory
Saskatoon, SK S7R 0M9
Cell: 306-987-0505 | FSIN Office: 306-665-1215
Email: [email protected]

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