Long-gun registry still law for Sask First Nations

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish is strongly opposed to the federal long gun registry which barely survived a vote in the House of Commons this past week.

He stated in an FSIN release that the registry would impose  “unjust criminal code violations against First Nations hunters.”

Along with other FSIN leaders, Whitefish calls on the federal government to exempt First Nations people from the registry.

“The use of firearms for hunting is a basic treaty right and should not be limited in any way,” Whitefish said. “It is common practice under treaty for First Nations to receive ammunition as part of the annuity payments on an annual basis.”

The registry—which has been opposed by the FSIN since it’s inception—has recently been a topic of heated debate in the House of Commons, where the conservative-backed private members bill was defeated by the combined efforts of the Liberal and Bloc Quebecois.
While the NDP allowed their members a free vote, most voted to support the registry with only six opposed. Jack Layton, leader of the federal NDP, suggested that the registry be amended to make it more acceptable by “decriminalizing the initial penalties for non-registration”, and “ensuring its respectfulness of aboriginal treaty rights”.

The unwillingness of the federal government to consult with First Nations in Saskatchewan has fuelled an already vociferous debate.

FSIN wants the government to use the ‘duty-to-consult’ model normally applied to resource development negotiations, maintaining that it would be applicable to any gun law legislation.

Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski refused to comment on any First Nations proposals stating the specifics would have to be considered by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. Lukiwski stated the Conservative Government would have preferred for all Canadians to be exempt from the registry and to see the program scrapped.
The registry and the debate surrounding it are “extremely polarized with no middle ground, either you’re for it or against it” stated Chief Weighill of the Saskatoon City Police Force in an interview with CanWest News.
“It’s not feasible to have an exemption under current law, that it’s a registration for the good of society,” Weighill said and added that he would support decriminalizing the offence of non-registration, making it a provincial summary offence rather than a criminal code offence.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police stated they support the registry and claim that it is important to the work they undertake concerning firearms.

The registry has been debated across Canada—by labour, rural and urban municipalities, First Nations and special interest groups—resulting it would seem, in a divide within the nation.

The decision by government not to repeal the registry will continue to create controversy.

Meanwhile, FSIN wants the government to be more open and willing to consult and accommodate and “will continue to oppose the long gun registry and assert First Nations jurisdiction on Treaty rights to hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering,” the release stated.