Hundreds of First Nations marched from the Cree Land Mini-Mart down Albert Street to the Saskatchewan Legislature Monday afternoon in Regina.

They demanded the government implement treaty rights and insisted the government include First Nations in more decision-making processes.

Infants to elders and everyone in between packed the steps and the lawn of the legislature in support of the Provincial First Nations Day of Action.

Many of them participated in the walk and called it empowering.

“It was good. It made me feel proud,” said one supporter.

Many chiefs and elders spoke to the crowd, calling on the government for meaningful discussions, treaty rights and resource royalty sharing -- something they say would improve the quality of life on First Nations Reserves.

“This has to change and this has to change now folks. Our young people deserve that,” said Vice-Chief Morley Watson.

A petition with over 1,400 signatures was presented to the government on Monday.

Speaking from the Saskatoon cabinet office, First Nations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says the government and First Nations chiefs agree on many things including child welfare, education and enhancing the life of First Nations children.

But Cheveldayoff says they disagree on resource royalties.

“When you build a Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon that benefits First Nations and non-First Nations children and that’s what those revenues are dedicated for. Whether you build highways, enhance healthcare, education, that’s what we do with those revenues,” he said.

Cheveldayoff admits Monday's rally came as a surprise because chiefs were invited to a cabinet meeting back in June to discuss whatever issues they wanted.

Edited by News Talk Radio's Karin Yeske.