Sturgeon Lake First Nation is calling on the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association to reverse a decision denying a temporary onsite veterinary clinic, arguing the ruling ignores the realities faced by northern and Indigenous communities.
In a media release Friday, the First Nation said it wants the association’s Practice Standards Committee to reconsider its decision and allow the clinic to continue operating through its longstanding partnership with the Canine Action Project. The community says the initiative has provided responsible animal care, disease prevention and public safety benefits for more than a decade.
According to the First Nation, the partnership has been in place since 2015. Between January 2025 and March 2026, the program responded to 328 requests from residents, facilitated 45 spay and neuter procedures, helped 33 animals receive urgent veterinary care and removed or rehomed 63 animals.
The Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s Practice Standards Committee denied the application after determining veterinary clinics are available within 150 kilometres of the community. Sturgeon Lake argues that standard measures distance rather than actual access, noting that transportation challenges, financial hardship and other systemic barriers make off-reserve services difficult for many families to use.
Chief Christine Longjohn said the community supports the association’s goal of protecting the public but believes preventative veterinary care is one of the most effective ways to improve both animal welfare and community safety.
The Prince Albert Grand Council has also expressed its support for Sturgeon Lake First Nation’s request, recognizing the importance of accessible veterinary services in First Nations communities.
(Photo provided)