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It’s a first for Saskatchewan.
The Whitecap Dakota First Nation, located south of Saskatoon, has voted to become a self-governing First Nation, with the move garnering 92 per cent support.
Chief Darcy Bear, along with Councillors Dwayne Eagle and Frank Royal, announced the results from the Oct. 6 and 7 in-person and online vote on Tuesday.
It took a decade to consult members and negotiate with the federal government to prepare arrangements to draft a constitution that would establish the Whitecap Dakota Government within Canada’s constitutional framework.
Bear said in a statement that he’s thankful for the support, and the commitment from the First Nation to no longer be under the control of the Indian Act.
He said the nation’s members are asserting an inherent right, and establishing broader law-making powers and fiscal certainty to continue to build the nation.
Marc Miller, minister for crown-Indigenous relations, congratulated the First Nation on the historic decision, saying it was an important step in moving the community forward.
While the move is a first for Saskatchewan, is not a first in Canada as 78 other First Nations are self-governing through 27 different agreements.
The new arrangement for Whitecap Dakota is likely to take effect next fall.
–Editor’s note: This story has been updated for clarity.
