GOVERNMENT SEEKS INPUT ON DRAFT CONSULTATION POLICY FRAMEWORK

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude is now inviting First Nation, Métis and industry stakeholders to review the new draft consultation policy framework.

Draude also announced a future exploratory phase where First Nation, Métis, industry and government representatives will join in researching and developing options on other pressing issues including consultation capacity requirements; traditional use, sacred site and traditional territory mapping; land use planning and dispute resolution.

"Also critical to this exploration is finding ways to ensure First Nations and Métis people are benefiting from the economic opportunities afforded by the province's rapidly growing economy," Draude said. "As promised, we have completed the draft policy framework before the end of December 2008 after extensive consultation. By asking for this final review of the draft, we are also very pleased to keep another promise to gather feedback before we create a final policy framework."

The draft framework document will be mailed out this week and feedback from interested parties is requested by the end of February in order to produce a final policy framework. The exploratory phase will begin this winter in conjunction with the draft consultation policy framework review process.

The objectives of this policy framework are the protection of Treaty and Aboriginal rights, reconciliation and relationship building and certainty for a stable investment climate.

A copy of the draft policy framework is available online at www.fnmr.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2237