Saskatchewan approves transfer of Crown mineral rights to three First Nations

The Saskatchewan government is transferring Crown mineral rights to three First Nations.

According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations, the province approved the transfer of roughly 824 acres of Crown mineral rights to Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, while Flying Dust First Nation will receive the rights to about 42.3 acres and Pasqua First Nation will receive rights to roughly 159 acres.

Read more:

• Ottawa leaving First Nations ill-equipped to fight deadly fires: retired fire chief
• Human rights tribunal approves massive child welfare deal for Ontario First Nations
• FSIN chief considering legal options in face of $28M federal audit repayment

While the transfer of rights to Mistawasis Nêhiyawak is a first for the First Nation west of Prince Albert, approved transfers of mineral rights to Flying Dust — located near Meadow Lake — now total roughly 13,940 acres. Total mineral rights transferred to Pasqua First Nation, northeast of Regina, add up to roughly 1,590 acres, the ministry noted.

“Treaty Land Entitlement is an important part of our shared responsibility to honour Treaty commitments in reserve land allocations,” Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and northern affairs, said in a statement.

“Each transfer helps create long-term opportunities for economic growth that benefit First Nations and communities across Saskatchewan.”