First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework Engagement
The Government of Saskatchewan asked for feedback from leadership of First Nation and Métis communities and organizations, industry, municipal organizations and members of the public on the First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF).
1. Background
Released in 2010, the CPF sets out government's commitment to fulfilling its legal duty to consult and accommodate First Nation and Métis communities in advance of decisions or actions that have the potential to adversely impact the exercise of:
- Treaty and Aboriginal rights such as the right to hunt, fish and trap for food on unoccupied Crown land and other land to which a community has a right-of-access for these purposes; and
- Traditional uses of land and resources such as the gathering of plants for food and medicinal purposes and carrying out ceremonial and spiritual observances and practices on unoccupied Crown land and other land to which a community has a right of access for these purposes.
The CPF includes the roles and responsibilities of the Government of Saskatchewan, First Nation and rights-bearing Métis communities, proponents and other levels of government when there is a Duty to Consult. The overall goal is to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships among the Government of Saskatchewan, First Nations, Métis and industry that contribute to a growing provincial economy.
Both public and private sectors are encouraged to engage First Nation and Métis communities early in their project development process. Guidance on early engagement related to projects that may trigger Government's duty to consult can be found in the Proponent Handbook: Voluntary Engagement with First Nations and Métis Communities to Inform Government's Duty to Consult Process.
2. Engagement Process
The First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework engagement process is organized into two groups:
- Leadership from participating communities and organizations
- The general public
The information shared by these two groups will allow the Government of Saskatchewan to gain a better understanding of the strengths and opportunities for improvement with the First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework.
Government officials will review the feedback shared and gathered during this engagement process. This analysis will identify common themes, which in turn will inform future revisions to the CPF.
Leadership from Participating Communities and Organizations
The Government of Saskatchewan is directly engaging with leadership of First Nation and Métis communities and organizations, as well as industry and municipal organizations, as these groups interact most closely with the CPF.
Leadership have been contacted and invited by the Government of Saskatchewan to share their feedback by either:
- Attending an in-person or virtual engagement session;
- Completing an anonymous online survey; or
- Submitting written comments.
General Public
The general public could provide their feedback about the CPF by completing an anonymous online survey or by submitting written comments. Both processes are described more fully in the next section.
3. Public Feedback Opportunities
The general public can provide their feedback about the CPF through an anonymous online survey or by submitting written comments.
Online Survey
Participation in this five to 10 minute anonymous survey is voluntary; you can leave the survey at any time.
The survey deadline has been extended to November 12, 2022.
Written Comments
Members of the general public who wish to provide a written submission about the CPF can do so until November 12, 2022.
Your submission should include the following information:
- Your name and town or city of residence.
- Your thoughts about the CPF’s effectiveness in achieving the over-arching goal to “facilitate mutually beneficial relationships among the Government of Saskatchewan, First Nations, Métis and industry that contribute to a growing provincial economy.”
- Your experience using the CPF and any feedback arising from that experience (if applicable).
- Any other comments you may wish to share about the CPF.
You can email your written submission to CPFengagement@gov.sk.ca or mail it to:
Attention: Aboriginal Consultation Unit
Lands and Consultation Branch
Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
410 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA SK S4P 3T2
4. For More Information
For more information about the First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework engagement process, please contact:
Aboriginal Consultation Unit
Lands and Consultation Branch
Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
410 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA SK S4P 3T2
Email: CPFengagement@gov.sk.ca
Phone:
Regina: 306-787-5722