Photo credit: Sturgeon Lake First Nation website.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief and Council have passed a band council resolution to start formal discussions with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service to move towards a memorandum of understanding for on-reserve services alongside the RCMP.

The resolution was passed on June 8th (Monday) and invites the Saskatchewan Marshals Service to provide services on Sturgeon Lake First Nation lands in support of the RCMP, and to act proactively on Saskatchewan Marshals Service-led investigations.

Chief Christine Longjohn says formal discussions will strengthen services and improve co-ordination with the RCMP.

“This resolution allows us to begin formal discussions with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service to strengthen services on reserve, improve co-ordination with the RCMP and ensure enforcement is carried out in a way that respects Sturgeon Lake First Nation.”

The resolution also commits SLFN to back and fourth communication with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service. This communication can include information sharing, operational reporting following enforcement or investigative activities on the nations lands, and other measures.

A finalized memorandum of understanding would also formalize the relationship between the SLFN and the Saskatchewan Marshals Service. A finalized memorandum would also establish a framework for future collaboration between the two parties.

Chief and Council say negotiations towards a memorandum will begin immediately.