Provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart is firm in his decision to turn over community pasture-land to ranchers.
The land is currently owned by the federal government but is being turned over to the province beginning in 2014.
The FSIN wants to acquire the land as part of unfulfilled treaty land entitlements, then lease it to current users.
Stewart is rejecting the plan saying ranchers will get first option to buy.
“Our priority will remain the patrons. Any leases or sales will be done with the patrons’ group.”
The FSIN is hoping to organize a meeting for December 18th to discuss its proposal with stake holders, including ranchers.