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New provincial park draws criticism from First Nations band

May 22, 2013 | 6:32 AM

Saskatchewan's newest provincial park is expected to receive official designation this summer, but it won’t have the support of a northern Saskatchewan reserve concerned the park will intrude on its treaty rights.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said, “It has been a frustrating process and in the end, our concerns and requests have been totally disregarded.”

“It’s like we don’t even have a voice,” she said describing the consultation process with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport (MPCS).

Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, located north of Prince Albert in the Emma and Anglin Lake region has been in the planning stages for more than two years. In that time, Cook-Searson said the band has stated its concerns only to have them pushed aside for political reasons.

“Right from the start the ministry official said ‘this is a campaign promise that was made by the Sask Party.’ So, they wanted to fulfill their campaign promise (and it) doesn’t matter at who’s cost, I guess, because our voice at the end wasn’t even heard.”

Bob McEachern, director of park management services with MPCS said the province has met with the band on several occasions to hear their concerns, and plan to continue that dialogue with other stakeholders prior to any development taking place.

“The next step is what we call a park management and planning process, and certainly we want them involved in that too.”

Parts of the nearly 1,300 hectare park fall within the band’s traditional territory. A territory that Cook-Searson said her people have lived for thousands of years.

“We have cultural sites, we have burial grounds. People have to know where they are so the people will respect them.”

Cook-Searson said she’s also concerned park status will restrict access to the land for hunting, fishing and trapping activities.

To guarantee those treaty rights, the band asked the Provincial Parks Act to be amended, but the request was denied.

McEachern said amendments were not necessary because treaty rights in Saskatchewan provincial parks are already protected under provincial and federal legislation.

“As a general practice, First Nations do have access to provincial parks to access treaty rights and traditional uses. And we’ll continue to identify sensitive areas to make sure that nothing detrimental happens.”

Cook-Searson, however, remains unsatisfied with the government’s assurances and will continue to monitor the process before deciding the band’s next action.

bbosker@panow.com

On Twitter: @brentbosker