Métis Nation–Saskatchewan reinstates Harvesting Advisory Group

March 7, 2023 – Métis history is the story of a people seeking self-determination, with community and culture informing our relationship with nature and each other. Prior to the expansion of Canada, harvesting was the traditional way of life for Métis people and remains an integral part of life for many. Our 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.

It is in this spirit that Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) announces the reformation and reinstatement of the Harvesting Advisory working group, a respectfully-assembled panel to provide meaningful insight and direction to ensure Métis harvesting is grounded in our identity, culture, values, and traditions, including the conservation of wildlife and resources.

Since 2010, the MN-S and the Government of Saskatchewan have been engaged in harvesting conversations and in 2019, the two governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to move negotiations forward.

“The MN–S government in Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of harvesting among Métis people across the province,” said MN–S Vice President and Minister of Justice, Michelle LeClair. “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. 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.”

Vice President LeClair also acknowledged the frustration of citizens due to the limited recognition of Métis harvesting rights and regulations across Saskatchewan. Currently, rights are won on a case-by-case basis and are limited to Métis citizens with a connection to historical Métis communities located within the Métis Harvesting Zones, which are largely limited to the boundaries of the Northern Administrative District (NAD). The current situation results in an inequal recognition of Métis harvesting rights and confusion regarding the application of court rulings, both 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 provided guidance to 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 gain a better understanding of current practices and subsistence harvesting needs. 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 important issue are grounded in, strengthen, and affirm Métis culture. Today’s announcement is a commitment to return to that respectful process and ensure cultural continuity for Métis people across Saskatchewan.

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About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values and language. Empowered by the Métis citizens of Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen capacity. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of more than 80,000 Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional and provincial levels. Social Media Links: @MNSask, @metisnationsask

For media inquiries:

Rena Montgomerie – MN–S Senior Communications Officer r.montgomerie@mns.work or 306-250-1092

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