Molanosa is where MLCN gathers to celebrate Woodland Cree culture during the Molanosa Cultural Days each year. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

First Nations

Province supports Montreal Lake Cree Nation in establishing Molanosa as reserve land

Aug 6, 2024 | 4:27 PM

The Government of Saskatchewan has declared support for the Montreal Lake Cree Nation (MLCN) regarding their request to add Molanosa as part of their reserve land.

Molanosa is located within their traditional territories and near their existing community along Montreal Lake.

“Molanosa is an acronym for Montreal Lake Northern Saskatchewan, and in Woodland Cree, we call it Kskahikanisihk,” said Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod, Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief. “This is home to the original site of the 1889 Treaty 6 Adhesion of wich our nation is a signatory, the final resting place for members of Montreal Lake Cree Nation, a site for land-based education for our youth, and the place where we gather every year to celebrate and honour Woodland Cree culture during Molanosa Cultural Days.”

Naytowhow-McLeod said the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the area is of utmost importance to MLCN.

The First Nation will now move forward with the request through the Additions to Reserve Policy, and the Ministry of Government Relations said it would cooperate with the federal government and the community to support the request.

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“I met with Chief Naytowhow-McLeod and her community in June and she impressed upon me how important this site is to the people of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation,” Premier Scott Moe said. “In the spirit of Reconciliation, the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting the community and their vision for Montreal Lake for generations to come.”

The government of Canada is responsible for transferring land under the Additions to Reserve Policy. To further support MLCN’s request, the Government of Saskatchewan has allowed MLCN to use Molanosa for cultural purposes without seeking provincial approval during the application process.

“Our Ministry is absolutely supportive of the process underway,” Environment Minister Christine Tell said. “We view this as an important measure of support and recognition of the cultural importance of the area for Montreal Lake Cree Nation.”

This announcement comes as part of the Molanosa Cultural Days celebration, taking place until August 9 at the location of the signing of Treaty 6 Adhesion in 1889.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com