SASKATOON – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Executive states they are shocked and disgusted at what they say are “The violent intentions behind the resolution passed at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention”.
The resolution by the Rural Municipality of Kindersley calls on SARM to lobby the Federal government to “Expand the rights and justification for an individual to defend or protect himself, herself, and person under their care and their property.”
The resolution passed with 92 per cent in favour at the SARM convention earlier in March.
“We at the FSIN believe that this resolution propels and encourages violence,” said FSIN Vice-Chief Kim Jonathan. “Any strengthening of the rights of individuals to defend their property will result in an increase in violent confrontation and the deaths of more innocent people.”
Section 35 of the criminal code already has sufficient provisions for the protection of property. No property is more valuable than a human life, and the FSIN condemns any resolution that seeks to allow civilians to take the law into their hands. It is the responsibility of the police and RCMP to enforce the criminal code, not property owners.
The resolution is seen as a result of a court case currently before the courts in Saskatchewan where an Indigenous man was shot and killed over what is being called a trespassing issue.
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
