First Nations leaders demand end to federal, provincial taxation of their people

First Nations leaders in Saskatchewan are calling on the federal and provincial governments to cease all taxation of First Nations people. They note the numbered treaties exempted First Nations people from taxes.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron said at a news conference Wednesday in Prince Albert, Sask., that he will will "encourage" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to contact Governor General Mary Simon.

Cameron said they would like to make their case in an audience with King Charles, noting they signed treaties with the Crown rather than the federal or provincial governments.

"Our treaty relationship is with the British Crown," Cameron said, adding Simon "plays a big role here."

Cameron said he also plans to speak with the Saskatchewan government soon, and hopes they'll be reasonable.

"If they don't, then they'll force our hand," he said.

Cameron said they'll file a statement of claim and take the case to court if necessary. He said the courts have repeatedly ruled in favour of First Nations on these matters.

Cameron and Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Brian Hardlotte said the carbon tax, gas taxes and others should not be applied to First Nations people.

"Our treaties trump provincial law. Our treaties trump federal law," Cameron said. "We've been patient. We've been kind for many years ... this treaty battle has been a long time coming."

Hardlotte said the tax exemption is a small concession compared with the massive wealth amassed this century on the land taken from First Nations.

"The governments came and took those lands, took what's underneath, those natural resources," he said.

Joining Hardlotte and Cameron at the conference were:

• Chief Rene Chaboyer, Cumberland House Cree Nation.
• Chief Christine Longjohn, Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
• Chief Joyce Naytowhow McLeod, Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
• Chief Cody Benson, Red Pheasant Cree Nation.
• Chief Tyson Bear, Flying Dust First Nation.
• Zachary Whitecap, Red Earth Cree Nation.
• Coun. Lester Fable, Poundmaker Cree Nation.

The FSIN assembly passed a resolution in February supporting action on the taxation file.

In an emailed statement, the provincial government says it is committed to supporting all Saskatchewan residents with affordability measures, including First Nations, but "has no plans to change the tax status for any Saskatchewan residents."

It also said on-reserve purchases and off-reserve purchases that are delivered by a retailer and purchased by a Status Indian are already exempt from the provincial sales tax.

A representative from the federal government was not immediately available for comment, but officials said they would be responding.