Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples of Saskatchewan to convene an Outreach Session in Saskatoon

SASKATOON February 5, 2020

Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples of Saskatchewan (CAPS) President, John Hanikenne, says that self-government for urban Indigenous peoples involves a host of pragmatic issues that need to be discussed in outreach and engagement sessions across the province.

CAPS has recently held outreach and engagement meetings in Regina and Prince Albert, and this weekend, they will be in Saskatoon at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.

The rapid growth of the urban Indigenous population in Saskatchewan is a compelling policy factor, as well as presenting a deep challenge for all jurisdictions.

CAPS represents the rights and interests of First Nations living off reserve and Métis and is an affiliate of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, one of the five national Indigenous organizations.

CAPS President, John Hanikenne, says that there are many issues that will require high-level discussions concerning how Saskatchewan’s laws and policies need to be reflective of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). An inevitable conflict of laws will arise whenever jurisdictions pass conflicting legislation and this will be an ongoing challenge for each jurisdiction, including urban Indigenous governments.

UNDRIP consists of 46 articles ratified by the UN General Assembly and recognizes implicitly, Indigenous self-determination for Indigenous city-dwellers.

Hanikenne hopes to meet sometime this month with Lori Carr, the Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. Discussions would include the evolving needs and priorities in Saskatchewan’s urban Indigenous communities and the importance of the province following the lead of British Columbia and endorsing UNDRIP.

For more information contact:

John Hanikenne, President

Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples of Saskatchewan

Tel: 306-922-0090

Email: capspa@hotmail.com