Saturday, the provincial government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan to advance firearm safety and education for Metis people in the province.

The Memorandum includes opportunities for partnerships between the two entities, such as promoting firearms licenses and raising public awareness about the importance of firearms safety.

The MOU outlines four specific areas for the Firearms Office and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to collaborate on. These include the promotion of education and licensing of as many community members as possible, minimizing unnecessary criminalization of individuals for regulatory offences, the need for appropriate compensation for seized firearms, and protection of gun owners’ current and future privileges.

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum said in a news release that “this Memorandum of Understanding is another tool that we can use to continue to cultivate recognition and understanding of our distinct culture and ways of living.”

Under the Memorandum, the Firearms Office will also be exploring a potential funding agreement of up to $50,000 to create a community educator position to promote firearms licensing, safety and training for Métis Nation-Saskatchewan citizens.

The Memorandum becomes effective upon signing and will be in effect until January 1, 2025.