Duty To Consult Roundtable Concludes
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 15:45
The provincial government promises to find common ground so that all parties are satisfied with the duty to consult process — but emphasizes this week’s duty to consult roundtable conference in Saskatoon was just a beginning.
Resource revenue sharing was a topic front and centre with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation and Metis Nation – Saskatchewan, but the province would not commit anything on it.
First Nations and Metis Relations Minister June Draude also says the government heard from several First Nations that they want to be negotiated with directly — not through the FSIN.
Draude says she personally sent invitations to every chief of every First Nation in the province.
She also says the government is well aware that it has a duty to consult with individual bands, not the FSIN or tribal councils.
As well, Draude says the duty to consult process will not be hammered out overnight — but adds because all parties came to the table to talk about it, it appears everyone has the will to make it work.
First Nations leaders want money so each reserve has the capability to deal with duty to consult.
That was the main message the FSIN sent yesterday at the end of the conference.
Vice-Chief Glen Pratt says if government and industry really want First Nations to participate in the process, they need to build the ability to do so at the community level.
Pratt says there must also be real economic benefits for First Nations people — specifically, revenue sharing.
He also insists that issue be on the negotiating table.
The Metis Nation – Saskatchewan also wants money for capacity building.
President Robert Doucette also says there need to be guidelines in place, even if they’re temporary, until duty to consult policies are finalized.
Doucette also stresses there be reasonable timelines put in place so that Metis leaders have sufficient time to consult with their communities before any development goes ahead.
The need for more money for capacity building was echoed by industry during the conference.
The president of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Dale Lemke, says while industry strengthens working relationships with First Nations and Metis people, more success stories need to be shared in those communities so they can continue to build on them.
While there was an air of optimism and cooperation at the end of the consultation and accommodation conference . . . there was also some skepticism.
Those feelings were apparent in the summary given after yesterday’s closed meetings at the gathering.
Provincial government spokesperson Marian Zerr read some delegates’ comments.
She says those who participated want to be assured that what they are saying is heard and something will happen.