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SASKATOON – A First Nations leader has said that proposed legislation in Saskatchewan that would require people to obtain a permit before going on private land could lead to clashes and even death.
Chief Bobby Cameron, of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, said a man had been found hunting on the lands of the Kawacatoose First Nation on Tuesday. Cameron said that the man had been informed that he was not allowed to hunt there and that he was escorted off the land. But Cameron said it may not always be that simple.
"If it had been the other way around, I do not know if a farmer would have been of this type or this patient," he said.
The proposed amendments to the intrusion legislation were introduced Tuesday, more than two years after Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Aboriginal man, died on a farm in rural Saskatchewan.
Earlier this year, a jury acquitted farmer Gerald Stanley of second-degree murder after stating that his gun was accidentally extinguished as he tried to scare off some of the young people who were going to his farm.
"We hope that there will be more tragedies, we really hope," Cameron said Tuesday. "But if they do, the provincial government should also say that we will be held accountable if someone dies because of this law on intrusion."
Justice Minister Don Morgan said the bill balances the rights of rural landowners and the public. The legislation would provide legal protection to landowners against material damage caused by an intruder.
A recent study released by the province found that 65% of respondents said people should ask permission from homeowners before going on private land.
"This legislation transfers this responsibility to those wishing to access the land by asking them to obtain prior permission from the owner or the occupier," Morgan said in a statement.
Cameron said it was unfortunate that the province had not consulted the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and decided to base the proposed changes on the survey results.
He predicted that the bill would create headaches because First Nations lands and roads are used by non-aboriginals.
"So, you mean that every farmer, every farmer and every farmer has to call the chief and council every time to come on the land?" Cameron said.
"It's heavy, there's a better way to do business."
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