Northern Saskatchewan trappers are being warned to monitor government legislation that affects their traditional practices.
Trappers are meeting in Prince Albert this week for the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association annual convention.
In a presentation about the state of the fur industry, the trappers were warned about government legislation that may hinder traditional First Nations practices.
“You have to monitor legislation because they seem to lump everything together in one bill to sneak things by,” said Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne in his address to the trappers. “It is very important you watch that. We watch it because they do it to us, as well.”
Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette encouraged the trappers to stand together and fight for their trapping culture.
“You are very strong when you are united, stand up and make your voices be heard,” said Vermette. “No government should ever infringe on your traditional territory, your trap line or your culture.”
Vermette said the New Democrats would also fight for the trappers, but added that the trappers need to give the Opposition guidance to make the right decisions.
The two-day convention will wrap up on Wednesday afternoon.