May 21, 2024 — (Flying Dust First Nation, SK) — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Meadow Lake Tribal Council

Today, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and the Government of Canada announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help guide their work to promote lasting reconciliation and strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship based on Meadow Lake First Nations’ priorities.

Under the co-developed Memorandum, the parties will explore new ways to advance the Meadow Lake First Nations’ inherent right to self-determination. The goal is to work together toward negotiated agreements focused on restoring First Nation control over matters affecting their communities in key areas, such as governance, the management of lands and resources and matters related to the administration of justice in their communities such as policing and restorative justice.

The Meadow Lake Tribal Council represents nine First Nations in these discussions across three treaty areas in northwestern Saskatchewan with a total population of over 17,700 members. The Meadow Lake First Nations who have come together to pursue these discussions with Canada are: Birch Narrows First Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation, Clearwater River Dene, English River First Nation, Flying Dust First Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation and Waterhen Lake First Nation.

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners on shared solutions to address their unique priorities, recognize and implement their inherent rights and support their visions of self-determination and a better future for their communities.