By Bryan Eneas

UPDATE: Muskoday votes in favour of trespass law

Oct 28, 2016 | 2:32 PM

UPDATE: Eighty per cent of Muskoday band members voted in favour of a trespass law. The law will now move into the ratification process ultimately decided by chief and council.

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After performing their consultation duties, the Muskoday First Nation Chief and Council have taken their trespass law to a referendum.

The proposed trespass law is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan First Nations communities. Normally, a Band Council Resolution (BCR) would be used to remove citizens who pose a risk to the community. A BCR however, holds no legal grounds in a court of law.

Muskoday’s trespass law will give chief and council a legally binding document to use in a court of law, if the situation ever does arise.

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Chief Austin Bear previously stated leadership will not be using the law to start a “witch hunt.” After assessing if the person in question is willing to change, chief and council will then determine if the best option is to banish a resident. Legal officials said the law will have to be taken on a case by case basis.

Oliver Cameron, the returning officer for this referendum said he believes the trespass law is something the community needs.

“Muskoday, because they’re kind of leading the way on this, they’re trying to do away with the drug problem in their own way. If they can do it, all the better,” Cameron said.

Residents are encouraged to vote in the referendum at the band hall until 6 p.m. tonight. No names or signatures are tied to the voting process. Urban residents in Saskatoon were mailed an information package including a ballot so their voices can be heard in this referendum.

If 50 per cent plus one of the ballots cast result in a positive vote, chief and council will begin ratifying the new law.

paNow will provide updates on the vote as they come in.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas