James Smith Cree Nation signs agreement with Saskatchewan Marshals Service

The Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) announced Thursday that the new headquarters is set to open in the fall – and will include an inspector, 10 Marshals and civilian support staff. (Photo: SMS)

James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) has signed a Band Council Resolution which invites the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) onto its lands.

Announced Wednesday, this agreement establishes a formal relationship between the First Nation and Saskatchewan’s newest police force.

“This relationship represents another meaningful step forward in building trust, collaboration and culturally informed policing in Saskatchewan as we work together to make our communities safer,” said Community Safety Minister Michael Weger in a news release.

JSCN and SMS will also collaborate with Saskatchewan’s RCMP to focus on the SMS’s mandate of “apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and addressing other criminal activity priorities facing the community.”

Saskatchewan RCMP currently has jurisdiction over JSCN.

The province says the resolution is meant to support culturally responsive policing and drive Indigenous recruitment into the SMS as a means of ensuring the force reflects the communities it serves.

“Today is a great day as we continue to engage with the communities we serve and the police of jurisdictions operating in those communities,” said Chief Marshal Robert Cameron.

“We are committed to engaging with all First Nations across Saskatchewan to enhance public safety and ensure the Saskatchewan Marshals Service continues to meet the needs of the communities and residents we have the privilege of working with.”

So far, the SMS has also received BCRs with Montreal Lake Cree Nation, One Arrow First Nation and English River First Nation.

The province expects to receive 15 more BCRs by the end of June 2026.

“This Band Council Resolution solidifies our relationship with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service,” JSCN Chief Kirby Constant said. “We appreciate their consultative approach and look forward to working with them and the RCMP to improve safety in our nation.”

The Saskatchewan Marshals have been in operation since spring 2025.

It’s been supporting RCMP, First Nations, municipal and other law enforcement agencies across the province.