Natural Resources Transfer Agreement

Treaty hunting, fishing and trapping rights were changed when the federal government gave control over natural resources to the province of Saskatchewan.

When Saskatchewan became a province, natural resources stayed under federal control. Manitoba and Alberta were in the same position. Natural Resources Transfer Agreements (NRTAs) were later made between each of these provinces and the federal government. The agreements gave these provinces control over the natural resources in their province. 

These agreements dealt with the Treaty hunting, fishing and trapping rights of First Nation members. They allowed these rights to be limited by provincial gaming laws and limited these rights to hunting, fishing or trapping for food only. At the same time they stated that these rights could be exercised anywhere in the province, regardless of the boundaries of a First Nation's Traditional Territory.

These agreements are part of the Canadian Constitution.

In order to secure to the Indians of the Province the continuance of the supply of game and fish for their support and subsistence, Canada agrees that the laws respecting game in force in the Province from time to time shall apply to the Indians within the boundaries thereof, provided, however, that the said Indians shall have the right, which the Province hereby assures to them, of hunting, trapping and fishing game and fish for food at all seasons of the year on all unoccupied Crown lands and on any other lands to which the said Indians may have a right of access.

Saskatchewan Natural Resources Act

First Nations objected to the Natural Resource Transfer Agreements at the time they were being negotiated. First Nations continue to object to the agreements because they changed Treaty Rights and limited them without consultation or consent.

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Department of Justice Canada

PLEA gratefully acknowledges funding from the Department of Justice Canada for the development and printing of this resource.

Cree Nisga'a Clothing

The beautiful original artwork in this resource was created by Cree artist Linda Lavallee, owner of Cree Nisga’a Clothing.