Metis Nation-Saskatchewan has a Memorandum of Understanding with the province to begin negotiating a food harvesting agreement.

The deal signed in Saskatoon replaces a 2010 M-O-U.

Environment Minister Dustin Duncan says both sides lost momentum toward striking a deal and this M-O-U re-affirms the government’s commitment to find common ground.

Duncan says it’s an opportunity to reach an agreement that establishes Metis rights while being environmentally sustainable.

The minister also says the province wants to respect the spirit of a 2003 Supreme Court ruling on Metis hunting rights while making the deal administratively practical.

Metis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum says he is confident of an agreement feeling there is trust, respect and understanding heading into the talks.

McCallum says they have to take some of the blame for a dysfunctional relationship in the past but points out the Metis Nation is working with the SaskParty government on M-O-U’s for health and education.

Negotiations are expected to begin early in the new-year.