Mission Statement:
To create awareness of the special needs of First Nations people with disabilities and to recognize their full potential as contributing citizens in today's society.

Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities Inc. (SFNND) has been in existence since 1992. It was ten years ago that a group of concerned individuals got together and formed a steering committee. Since this time SFNND has undertaken certain activities to help encourage First Nations people to share information and to help create a future where people with disabilities are able to participate fully in society.

The concerns and issues surrounding people living with disabilities are important to find solutions for. Life is an obstacle in itself, let alone adding a disability to the mix. Some issues which are in constant need of attention include; housing, non-insured health benefits, financial income, employment and transportation, peer support.

Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities' Inc. mandate is:

• To examine and understand issues affecting people with disabilities;
• To act as centre for exchange of ideas and encourage new ways of thinking about people with disabilities;
• To provide insight into the social programs and other features of society that affect the capacity of First Nations people with disabilities to exercise their rights and fully participate in thier communities.

The SFNND is accountable to a Board of 14 Directors, which are representatives from the Tribal Councils of Saskatchewan. The SFNND developed partnership between FSIN/HSDS and was supported by the Chiefs of Saskatchewan. The SFNND is also funded on an annual basis by INAC.

Faced with the task of improving communication among its people, SFNND emerged to address the special needs of its people. It is therefore necessary to recognize that the group will:

• Establish an advocacy position for persons with disabilities
• Monitor and oversee the development of a regional database for First Nations persons with disabilities
• Participate in planning activities that facilitate the integration of issues for those with disabilities in all programs delivered to First Nations.

Statistics

110,000 - Approximate population of First Nations in Saskatchewan

28 - 30% - Of Saskatchewan First Nations population live with some type of disability

31% - Of Aboriginal people across Canada live with some type of disability.

6 - 8% - Of First Nations persons On-Reserve live with some type of disability (similar to Off-Reserve)

2% - Of First Nations persons are forced to relocate off-reserve due to type, level and severity of disability.

2% - Of First Nations persons will die as a result of their disability.

For more information regarding the Saskatchewan First Nations Network on Disabilities Inc. contact:

Linda Napope
Advocate/Liaison Officer

Health & Social Development Secretariat
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Saskatoon, Sk. S7N 4K4

Phone: (306) 956-1032
Fax: (306) 477-8894
E-mail: linda.napope@fsin.com

Board of Directors:

Gilbert Michel - Chairman - Peter Ballantyne First Nation

Kyle Prettyshield - Vice Chairman - Carry the Kettle First Nation

Agnes Cyr - Elder - Pasqua First Nation

Elaine Naytowhow - Sturgeon Lake First Nation

Rose Marie Gardipy - Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation

Archie King - Lucky Man First Nation

Dennis Sapp - Little Pine First Nation

Agathe Cyr - Pasqua First Nation

Darryl Mirasty - Flying Dust First Nation

Clara Nashacappo - Kawacatoose First Nation