The Metis Nation-Saskatchewan region most affected by wildfires in recent weeks is declaring a state of emergency.
Northern Region 3, which represents the communities of Ile a la Crosse, Beauval, Pinehouse, Green Lake, Jans Bay, Cole Bay, and Patuanak declared the state of emergency Wednesday morning.
These communities have seen several evacuations in recent weeks with one wildfire pressing up on the boundaries of Beauval last week.
Leaders from the region say the fires are destroying their traditional lands.
“As Métis people, we are shared stewards of these lands, and our connection is not only cultural and historical – it is constitutional,” said Brennan Merasty, the Provincial Metis Council representative for the region. “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.”
The MN-S and Northern Region 3 are now calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to provide more resources and supports to protect these lands.