An independent land claims tribunal is in the planning stages and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) says hype over a "national day of action" helped the much-anticipated idea gain momentum.
"When First Nations unite across Canada to make a statement, I think the governments of the day have no choice but to respond in positive ways," Chief Lawrence Joseph said Wednesday, a day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper revealed the plan.
Joseph said the announcement "provides a lot of hope" for Saskatchewan First Nations people and is "a major step in the right direction."
Once established, the new federal system will enable bands to bring their cases to an independent tribunal staffed with judges, even if the government doesn't agree to negotiate.
The good news announcement doesn't take the wind out of the sails for the day of action in Saskatchewan, said Joseph, noting the day set for June 29 will be about awareness, not disruption.
"A day of action is basically selected to educate the public on the daily realities that exist," he said, noting political leaders are being invited to march with First Nations people in Regina.
While the day of action in Saskatchewan is expected to be peaceful and co-operative, one Manitoba chief has called for a rail blockade.
First Nations have many grievances with the federal government, said Joseph.
"There's about 2,000 young people out there ready and willing to go to post-secondary education but cannot because of the broken promise under treaty that education would be funded," he said, noting the government's "negligence" in responding to healing and mental health issues.
However, his criticisms were peppered amongst statements of gratitude.
"Finally, we get a government acknowledging treaty," he said.
Third Vice-Chief Glen Pratt, who is responsible for the FSIN lands and resource portfolio, said the current process -- which takes 13 years, on average, to process a claim -- is "frustrating and time consuming."
Pratt will take the lead in Saskatchewan's consultations with the federal government on the new tribunal, which he said will not only speed up the land claim process but also remove the federal government as the "judge, jury and defendant."
Land claims have long been a matter of contention. Although 300 have been settled since the 1970s, more than 800 remain unresolved across the country. Of the 143 Saskatchewan land claims submitted to the federal government, 51 have been settled.
"With 92 claims in the works right now, and lot of others to be researched, it's going to make a big economic plus," Joseph said of the effects of the tribunal. "When First Nations people win, everybody wins."
The economic benefits of the settlements to Saskatchewan will be "in the billions," he said.
"First Nations have been conditioned to rely on government too much and we're trying to get out of this rut through economic development here in Saskatchewan, and without a land base it's very difficult," he said.
Before the new system is put into place, the government must first write a law enabling the establishment of the tribunal, a process that will involve consultation with First Nations across the country. The prime minister has indicated consultations will begin in the summer.