(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Keeping the peace

Muskoday band signs ‘law enforcement’ agreement

Oct 18, 2019 | 2:02 PM

A new task force which will review how laws are enforced on Saskatchewan First Nations, is part of a new agreement signed between the provincial government and Muskoday First Nation.

As part of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the province and the band have agreed to collaborate with respect to investigation, laying charges, prosecution, and adjudication of First Nations’ laws, and the enforcement of fines, penalties and other orders. In a press release, Muskoday Chief Herman Crain stated Muskoday First Nation has a treaty obligation to keep the peace, and maintain good order.

“Our community has tried to meet that obligation by enacting a number of Indian Act bylaws and land laws written under our own Land Code and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. But without a proper system to enforce these laws, it is impossible to uphold such laws and make people accountable,” he said. “This will help toward building a safe community.”

A safer community was one of Crain’s promises during his election campaign in February. In addition to the duties mentioned above, the task force will also explore the possibility of arranging for community safety officers or peacekeepers on reserve.

“This agreement is a significant opportunity to ensure consistency in the way laws are enforced on First Nations and to strengthen the relationship between the provincial government and First Nations,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “This will ultimately benefit First Nations communities, the surrounding area, and the province as a whole.”

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“Working together helps us all meet our shared goal of safer communities,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. “I look forward to seeing collaborative solutions from the task group.”

The chief of Whitecap Dakota First Nation also signed the agreement Friday. As an immediate and practical solution, the chiefs of both First Nations have said they wish to work with the province to find approaches that tap into existing and potentially new policing, prosecution and judicial mechanisms to ensure their laws are enforceable.

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panews@jpbg.ca

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