First Nation Treaty in Cypress HIlls.

[Felicity Butler]

Treaty Four
Provincial Park
West Block Hunting
Info from http://www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/EducationalInterpretiveProgramsCypress

In the early 1900s, the West Block of the Cypress Hills was designated as a Federal Forest Reserve. In 1931, the Saskatchewan Government passed legislation creating Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Since that time, First Nations people and local citizens/government have worked together in sharing “the Hills” for various purposes. Today, all continue to jointly enjoy the benefits of the unique ecosystem while ensuring its protection and preservation. Traditional uses that predate the existence of the park such as grazing, recreation and hunting remain. Treaty rights give First Nations the right to hunt within the Cypress Hills West Block throughout the year. Summer hunting practices do, at times, conflict with other park use
activities including grazing, hiking, horseback riding and youth educational tours. SERM is working with Nekaneet First Nation and other First Nations to address this concern and ensure the safety and well-being of all park patrons. As a first step, the department has restricted licensed hunting until mid-October by liminating the September archery/muzzleloader seasons. In turn, a request has been made to First Nations to refrain from hunting until after Labour Day. Ongoing dialogue between SERM and First Nations is aimed at maintaining First Nations traditional hunting practices while providing public safety during other non-hunting related park use activities. On September 15, 1874, Treaty Four was signed, formally recognizing the rights of Indians to hunt, trap and fish throughout the tracts surrendered. Over the past 100 years, many different provincial and federal courts have ruled and interpreted western treaties, so as to clearly define those terms. In 1982, The Government of Canada entrenched those treaty rights within Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, thereby re-affirming First Nations constitutionally protected rights. area of Saskatchewan encompassed by Treaty Four Special Events Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and SERM in partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Carry The Kettle and Nekaneet First Nations are currently offering a First Nations Interpretive program in the park. Two First Nations Interpreters share their people’s history in the Cypress Hills area through educational programs and special events focusing on their First Nations culture, history and contemporary issues. Some special events such as the Tipi Raising ceremony with drummers, singers and dancers, are planned for this summer in the park to enhance public awareness about the importance of the Cypress Hills to First Nations People. On behalf of all our partners, we invite you and your family to participate in, ask questions and enjoy these special
events.