By Spencer Sterritt

Northern Sask. Cree Nation continues toward recognition

Mar 23, 2016 | 12:23 PM

After intervention by Saskatchewan court, the Kaministikominahiko-skak Creen Nation (KCN) are continuing along the legal path to recognition as their own band.

The KCN had filed against the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), claiming they were entitled to be recognized as their own band, instead of being recognized as part of the Cumberland Band of Indians.

FSIN had entered a motion to have the KCN’s lawsuit removed.

KCN chief John Dorion said the nation was denied their rights when they were amalgamated into what he referred to as a “superband,” called the Cumberland Band of Indians.

“That amalgamation wasn’t part of the treaty,” Dorion said. “Our position is it wasn’t right, it wasn’t legal, it was against treaty. If the treaty was implemented properly there would be a formally recognized KCN with Indian Affairs.”

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The KCN went to the FSIN in 2009 to be vetted for band membership. Dorion said they were approved, but due to objections by the Cumberland House Cree Nation, the FSIN did not follow through.

“When we asked them about it, they said ‘you’re not a recognized band by the Indian Act,’” Dorion said.

“Instead of recognizing the treaty of our sovereignty, our inherent rights and stuff like that, they decided to use the Indian Act against us, which is totally against their mandate. And that’s why we went to court.”

According to the KCN, Chief Dorion had been refused meetings by the FSIN in favour of the court system.

KCN has been taken to court twice by the FSIN. “It’s been going on for too long,” Dorion said.

Following the second dismissal of the FSIN’s case, Dorion said lawyers for both sides will set up a special hearing about the case.  

“The only thing remaining as far as we’re concerned is the signing ceremony,” Dorion said.

FSIN declined to comment since the initial KCN lawsuit was still before the courts.

ssterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit