PROVINCE AND ENGLISH RIVER FIRST NATION SIGN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Released on June 5, 1997

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott

and English River First Nation Chief Archie Campbell today signed a

Renewable Resources and Environmental Management Participation

Agreement at a ceremony in English River Reserve at Patuanak.



Resource management agreements of this nature allow parties to work

towards shared objectives, to share in the decision making process and

to make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Resource

Management, who retains full jurisdictional authority.



The English River Participation Agreement establishes shared

objectives for the participation area including:



recognizing and ensuring the participation of the English River

First Nation in resource management issues;



ensuring stakeholders such as outfitters, municipalities,

trappers and Metis people participate in making decisions and

recommendations that concern and affect renewable resources;



establishing an Action Committee to develop a co-management

agreement. Prior to the establishment of an agreement, the

committee will advise the minister on environment and resource

management matters; and,



discussing renewable resource related economic and

employment opportunities for area residents.



"This agreement recognizes the importance of the environment and

renewable resources to the people of English River First Nation

and confirms that by working together we can build a strong

relationship and improved renewable resource management," Scott

said.



"This agreement recognizes our desire to have more say in

managing fish, wildlife and traditional lands and become more

involved in economic opportunities," Chief Campbell said. "It

assures us that continuing our work with the department in an

open and cooperative manner will lead to better management."



The department recognizes the need for responsible and

participatory management of Saskatchewan's resources Scott added.

"This agreement will increase co-operation and consultation

between the department and the English River First Nation in a

relationship based on mutual respect, trust, fairness and

openness."



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For more information, contact:



Seonaid MacPherson Norman Wolverine

Environment and Resource Management English River First Nation

Regina Patuanak

Phone: (306) 787-8103 Phone: (306) 396-2066