FSIN decries Sask. government’s billion-dollar bet on irrigation [Video]

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) says it’s “deeply troubled” by the Saskatchewan government’s failure to consult First Nations in its bid to increase the number of irrigation projects out of Lake Diefenbaker.

On Thursday, Premier Scott Moe told delegates at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention that the province was moving forward with the first phase of the irrigation project in 2025, expected to cost about $1.15 billion.

In response, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a news release that the move raises significant concerns for First Nations’ rights, water security and environmental sustainability.

“The current state of water in Saskatchewan is dire, with record low water levels in 2023 and projections for 2024 looking even worse,” said Cameron. “Responsible use of our collective water resources is paramount.”

Since the $4 billion megaproject was first announced in 2020, the FSIN says it has garnered criticism from First …