FOR RELEASE ON June 5th, 2019

Contact: Alexis Christensen, Director of Communications

Phone: (306) 480 6133

Email: alexis.christensen@batc.ca

INDIGENOUS ARTIFACTS UNCOVERED IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

RE: North Side of NW19-33-20 W3 to North Side NE20-83-19 W3M ("the project")

Battleford, SK, on behalf of and with support from the BATC member First Nations and Chiefs and the Federation of Indian Nations and the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence, ("the Nations") are collectively asking for an immediate response from the Honorable Lori Carr and the Government of Saskatchewan regarding the construction of this project. We therefore demand the following:

1. An explanation as to why the Government of Saskatchewan has continued construction of the project despite having substantive knowledge of these archaeological sites along the right of way.
2. An immediate halt of then project construction until the Nations are properly consulted, and a thorough assessment and discussion of the archaeological sites are conducted and accommodated for.
3. A meeting with the Government of Saskatchewan to discuss this issue.

We have been advised by several parties, including the landowners, that construction on this project is underway. Archaeological studies conducted on the right of way have found numerous historic and culturally significant artifacts of paramount importance to the Nations. These sites and artifacts are deemed sacred to the Nations. Despite having this knowledge, the Government of Saskatchewan has continued construction of this project in complete disregard of the Nations Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

A pipe ceremony was held on June 4th, 2019 at the project site with the attendance of the collective as well as the participation of the local landowners and their neighbours. The landowners are equally interested in preserving and honouring these artifacts and their persistence, care and attention is truly commendable.

The Nations held a press conference at 9am on June 6th, 2019 CST in Saskatoon, at the FSIN Main Boardroom, 100-103A Packham Ave. 

The Nations