PROVINCE AND SEVEN FIRST NATIONS SIGN JOINT WORKING AGREEMENT

Saskatchewan Environment and an association of seven First Nations signed an agreement today in Prince Albert, committing to work together to explore business opportunities in the forests on their traditional lands.

The Ahtahkakoop, Beardys-Okemasis, James Smith, Muskoday, One Arrow, Sturgeon Lake and Wahpeton-Dakota First Nations' traditional territories include the Nisbet, Fort-a-la-Corne and Canwood provincial forests, also known as the island forests. The First Nations will work with the province to assess possibilities for a broad range of forestry activities, including harvesting and processing, reforestation and silviculture, training, science and technology, agro-forestry, forest protection and inventory.

"This agreement will help ensure that area First Nations can more fully participate in and benefit from forestry activities in their traditional areas," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "It will help us to explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships while continuing to support and build upon existing commitments to established forest operators in the island forests."

"This unique agreement, the result of a great deal of hard work, is a step in the right direction," Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Greg Ahenakew said. "Our task is to work closely with Saskatchewan Environment and other stakeholders in these forests. We look forward to the employment, value-added activities and new partners that will be a direct result of this agreement."

As a first step, the First Nations Island Forests Management Association Inc. and Saskatchewan Environment will work together to prioritize which opportunities to focus on right away. An initial priority will be to convert current annual harvesting rights held by member bands to a three-year Term Supply Licence. Following completion of land use planning processes currently underway for the island forests, the Province will work with the seven First Nations toward a longer-term licence for the unallocated portion of the sustainable harvest.

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For More Information, Contact:

Al Willcocks Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-2486 Email: awillcocks@serm.gov.sk.ca

Gene Kimbley First Nations Island Forests Management Associatio Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-8900