City celebrates Urban Reserve partnerships with First Nations at special meeting and Flag Ceremony

The City of Saskatoon celebrated its partnerships with eight First Nations at a special meeting and Flag Ceremony this morning. There are 10 Urban Reserves within Saskatoon’s boundaries. The first Urban Reserve and Municipal Servicing Agreement was signed in 1988 with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, and the most recent one was signed in 2023 with Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Other First Nations with Urban Reserves in Saskatoon are: Kahkewistahaw First Nation; One Arrow First Nation; Red Pheasant Cree Nation; Thunderchild First Nation; Yellow Quill First Nation; and Pelican Lake First Nation.

Urban Reserves benefit both First Nations and the City in creating opportunities in economic growth, offering employment opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and fulfilling Treaty Land Entitlements. These investments help create prosperity for everyone and are a model of good partnership and cooperation.

The Flag installation ceremony occurred at the start of this month’s City Council meeting to recognize the distinct order of First Nations and Métis governments through the Treaty 6 Flag and the Métis Flag. First Nations with urban reserves, additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A along with Locals in Saskatoon participated in the Flag ceremony. 

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Locals in Saskatoon are Central Urban Métis Federation Local #165, Victoria Racette Local IIA, Saskatoon Métis Local # 126, and Gabriel Dumont Local #11. The additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council recognized at the Flag ceremony are: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation; Mistawasis Nêhiyawak ; Muskoday First Nation; and Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

About Urban Reserves and Treaty Land Entitlement

Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) is a process used by the Federal and Provincial governments to resolve outstanding obligations to First Nations who did not receive all of the Reserve land to which they were entitled under Treaty. TLE has enabled First Nations to purchase land and transfer it to Reserve status. The City of Saskatoon welcomes these investments in the city and the region, which support the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the entire community. Before an urban Reserve is created, the City of Saskatoon and the First Nation sign agreements that cover commitments to work together, municipal services, fees for services, and compatible standards for development.

For more information on the First Nations who have land holdings or reserves within the City of Saskatoon and region, go to www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/planning/programs-projects/urban-reserves-treaty-land-entitlement