Wildfires continue to displace residents of northern Saskatchewan and consume hectares of traditional land at an alarming rate. Given the escalating threat to our Metis Footprint, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Northern Region III (NRIII) is left with no option but to declare a State of Emergency. We urge the Province of Saskatchewan to recognize the gravity of the situation and work with us to protect our citizens, our traditional territories, and our constitutionally protected Métis rights.
The Metis footprint of NRIII encompasses the communities of Green Lake, Pinehouse, Île-à-la-Crosse, Beauval, Jans Bay, Cole Bay, Dore/Sled Lake, Patuanak, Canoe River, and Sapawagamik.
To date, the Muskeg fire has grown to more than 221 thousand hectares. In comparison, the Buhl fire at Weyakwin is at 38 thousand hectares in size yet has both Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and government of Canada’s attention.
MN–S Minister of Self-Determination and Self-Government Brennan Merasty said, “The wildfire has been pressing against the doorstep of Beauval and other communities for some time now, leaving our citizens gripped with uncertainty - uncertain of what they will return to, and whether their homes, and way of life will still exist. As Métis people, we are shared stewards of these lands, and our connection is not only cultural and historical - it is constitutional. Our Métis footprint in the northwest, particularly in Northern Region 3, is at serious risk of being impacted.
We are witnessing the destruction of traplines, harvesting areas, traditional medicines, and critical habitats - the very foundations of our way of life. These are not just environmental losses; they are direct threats to our section 35 rights under the Constitution. This is not only an environmental crisis - it is a constitutional and cultural emergency.”
MN–S and NRIII have a vested interest in the protection of lands which include those contained within the 1994 title claim over Northwest Saskatchewan. The title claim seeks several declarations regarding Aboriginal rights to title, rights to hunt, trap, fish and commercial harvesting rights.
NRII is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to engage with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan immediately and provide the resources and supports needed to protect our lands, uphold our rights, and preserve our future. The time for action is now - before any more damage is done.
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 Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional and provincial levels.