Up until the Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act was passed, First Nations community safety officers were unable to enforce bylaws and gather fine revenue without complicated enforcement procedures through the federal Criminal Code process. The province has now passed legislation which will provide a simplified legal framework to enable First Nations to enforce their laws and bylaws on reserve.

Back in 2019, the provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Muskoday and Whitecap Dakota First Nations to collaborate on a pilot project to explore ways to improve the system. Muskoday First Nation Chief Ron Bear says, “We want to continue discussions on this topic and other ways, such as a tribal police force, we can address more serious offences on First Nations like drugs and violent gang activity.”

The province says in a news release that the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the federal government and the Province of Ontario have expressed interest in this approach. These changes will come into force by Order in Council after the necessary regulations and policies are implemented.