Pierone Decision provides clarity on Inherent and Treaty Right to Hunt
- EFN Staff | May 02, 2018
On Friday, April 27th, 2018, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal overturned a conviction of a Treaty 5 First Nations hunter from Manitoba charged for harvesting a moose on private land.
“This inherent and Treaty way of life off the land was here long before any settlers or Government came around and will continue to remain this way long after,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We will continue to advocate and protect our inherent and Treaty rights.”
While hunting near Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Kristjan Pierone shot a bull moose in a slough, approximately 70 meters off the roadway. The Land was owned by Benmoen Farming Company Limited. Although Pierone was not given consent to hunt on the land, no signs were posted, and it appeared that the land was not cultivated for several years.
“Many First Nations people rely on wildlife and plants for sustenance,” said FSIN Vice Chief Heather Bear. “This decision affirms that the First Nations have a prior right of access to the wildlife of the province as part of our inherent and Treaty rights. This is an important issue and we will follow up with Minister of Environment.”