Saskatchewan Approves Mineral Rights Transfers Supporting Three First Nations' Treaty Land Entitlement Agreements

CANADA, October 1 - Released on October 1, 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan has approved the transfer of additional Crown mineral rights to the Government of Canada in support of Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreements with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation and Pasqua First Nation.

"These mineral rights transfers support the Treaty Land Entitlement process and the creation of reserve land," Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said. "Saskatchewan will continue working with First Nations and Canada to advance these agreements and support the reserve creation process."

The approval includes approximately 194.25 hectares (480 acres) of Crown mineral rights associated with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation's TLE settlement agreement. As the first mineral rights transfer under the nation's 2022 agreement, the approval marks an early step in moving eligible lands through the reserve creation process.

Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation will receive an additional 65.15 hectares (161 acres) of Crown mineral rights through the transfer. This brings the total Crown mineral rights approved for transfer under the nation's TLE agreement to approximately 13,440 hectares (33,210 acres).

An additional 64.75 hectares (160 acres) of Crown mineral rights has also been approved in connection with Pasqua First Nation's TLE agreement. This brings the total Crown mineral rights approved for transfer under the agreement to approximately 1,841 hectares (4,549 acres).

The TLE process involves Saskatchewan, Canada and Entitlement First Nations that did not receive all the reserve land they were entitled to under Treaty. Through TLE agreements, First Nations can acquire land that may then be transferred to reserve status through the reserve creation process. Saskatchewan works with First Nations and Canada to support this process in accordance with the agreements.

As of September 2026, approximately 900,970 acres of land has transferred to reserve in Saskatchewan under TLE agreements.

To learn more about Treaty Land Entitlement in Saskatchewan, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

-30-