The Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan RCMP said in statements they are looking to find a solution to concerns raised by Poundmaker Cree Nation regarding drug use in the community. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Provincial response

Sask. RCMP in discussion with Poundmaker Cree Nation, province reaching out

Mar 25, 2021 | 1:30 PM

BattlefordsNOW has received a response from both the provincial government and Saskatchewan RCMP in regards to the announcement from Poundmaker Cree Nation (PCN) earlier this week, which detailed their intent to form their own police force and remove individuals involved in drug use and distribution.

The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety released a statement, saying that they have reached out to the RCMP, Poundmaker Cree Nation and the federal government for more information on this situation.

“As this issue deals with the enforcement of Band Council Resolutions, questions are best directed to the RCMP or the federal government,” the statement read.

Saskatchewan RCMP replied to the request for comment from battlefordsNOW through email. Natalie Grey of Saskatchewan RCMP Media Relations said they have been meeting, and are continuing to meet, with PCN leadership with this particular conversation starting on March 17.

“We are committed to continue to work to address community safety concerns,” she said.

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In the initial release from PCN, Chief Duane Antoine said that the nation had to hold the federal government accountable, since the Band Council Resolutions had no weight for enforcement.

Gray said it’s important to note that any enforcement activity undertaken by the RCMP must respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In the initial release from PCN this week, Chief Duane Antoine said that the nation had to hold the federal government accountable since the Band Council Resolutions had no weight for enforcement.

“Current justice processes do not have a mechanism for prosecuting Band Council Resolutions and Bylaws,” Gray said. “As a result we are working to find a mutually agreeable solution, where we can legally enforce laws and support the Poundmaker Council in the shared goal to protect children, Elders and Band Members.”

BattlefordsNOW has reached out to Poundmaker Cree Nation in regards to their announcement of intent to enforce custom banishment laws, but has not received a response.

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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