FSIN Executive Weekly Communique-November 5, 2010
FSIN
Communiqué
The Federation is committed to honouring the Spirit and Intent of the Treaties as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of Treaties that were made with the First Nations more than a century ago.
November 5, 2010
The FSIN is embarking on a new communication strategy. Part of this plan includes, the FSIN executive keeping the 74 First Nations in the province informed and updated on the important Treaty issues.
Office of the Chief- Guy Lonechild
First Nations Potash Resources
In response to the unsuccessful takeover bid of Potash Corp. by BHP Billiton, Chief Lonechild stated publicly on behalf of the First Nations of Saskatchewan that the Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, must consult with First Nations on resource revenue-sharing, and issued an invitation to meet with the FSIN. As well, Chief Lonechild re-stated, in a media report, that First Nations will not tolerate being excluded from the potash industry, and industry and government must be aware of this fact; First Nations have never ceded mineral rights through the signing of Treaty.
The FSIN Executive has a multi-pronged strategy in place, as per the direction of the Chiefs-in-Assembly, to ensure the advancement of First Nations interests and rights to our lands and resources.
BHP Billiton met with Chief Lonechild to discuss First Nation involvement in resource development. BHP Billiton has already entered into Memoranda of Understandings with a few First Nations and the FSIN is looking to enter into comprehensive discussions for all First Nations. The FSIN acknowledges all companies in the Potash Industry and will be having similar discussions with those companies as well.
Premier’s Throne Speech
The FSIN Executive wished to acknowledge the provincial Speech from the Throne. In the speech, Saskatchewan's Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhardt states that the Province is on ‘a new road.’ If this is indeed the case, then going down this new road means the Province must look at the full endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People; recognize First Nations rights to minerals and resources; honour Treaty Land Entitlements; focus on increased land value compensation; and deliver on its commitment to improved First Nations educational outcomes.
INAC Quarterly Meeting
FSIN Executive mnet with our colleagues from the Tribal Councils and RDG Riel Bellegarde to discuss Active Measures; INAC Intervention Policy; ICFS jurisdiction; federal legislation impacting First Nations – S4, S11, Bill C3, Bill C24, Bill C-575; Emergency housing for Kawacatoose and Nekaneet; Renovation of Economic Development Program, leading up to a meeting with INAC Minister John Duncan on November 22, 2010 in Ottawa.
MOU Signing – Meadow Lake Tribal Council
Chief Lonechild attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canoe Lake First Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation and the Cold Lake First Nation of Alberta. Chief Lonechild gave congratulatory remarks to the First Nations as they embarked upon a partnership where they will work collaboratively together in resource developments.
Chief Lonechild extended an invitation to Chief Janvier of the Cold First Nation to attend the Winter Chiefs-in-Asse mbly to present on the successes of his First Nation in the resource sector.
Treaty Governance Office
At a meeting of the Treaty Table on November 3, the OTC tabled the research paper on the potential role of the province as a participant to the Treaty Table in appropriate areas. This will be discussed by the Chiefs Advisory Committee (CAC) at the next meeting scheduled for December 7. Also discussed was the interaction of the Treaty Table Education Working Group and its interaction with the proposed Cross-Jurisdictional Task Force on Education. The Senior Administrator's Committee (Canada and FSIN reps) on the OTC met on November 4 to receive updates on the OTC work plan for 2010-2011 as well as begin the planning for the 2011-2012 term. Indications are that the OTC will be renewed for a further 5-year period.
The TGO will increase capacity in the near future by staffing a Senior Policy Analyst and an Administration Officer. Their first task will be an internal review of the governance files with the goal of setting out a strategic plan with the CAC by the end of January for presentation to the February 2011 Legislative Assembly.
Gaming Secretariat
Many topics and updates are planned as the FSIN embarks on preparations for the negotiations of the Gaming Framework Agreement. Appointments to the Gaming Commission are expected soon as the inaugural meeting is planned for early 2011. Plans are ongoing to prepare for this meeting and to prepare strategy framework for the negotiating teams. Just a reminder that the first day of the February 15-17, 2011 Assembly will be set aside for Gaming.
Ongoing Consultations on Education
As per the direction of the Chiefs-in-Assembly, Chief Lonechild and the Education Secretariat will be continuing consultations with Tribal Councils to discuss the subject matter of a proposed task force on education with the federal and provincial governments. Included in these consultations will be discussion on the parameters that must be put in place to ensure the task force serves the interests of First Nations students. The intent of this task force is to address the chronic underfunding of First Nations schools, and the lack of accountability, reporting and poor educational outcomes of provincial schools attended by First Nations students.
All Nations Hope AIDS Network
Chief Lonechild brought opening remarks on behalf of the First Nations of Saskatchewan and reaffirmed the commitment of First Nations to work together to combat the high rates of HIV/AIDS in our communities, especially among young, First Nations women. Providing information on HIV/AIDS and other prevention services is a key focus of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Secretariat.
Fall Legislative Assembly
The Fall Assembly was another success. Constructive debate occurred, legislation was amended and sound direction given via resolutions to the Executive. We had a number of speakers: Peru Delegation; National Chief Shawn Atleo, Assembly of First Nations; Grand Chief Ron Evans, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs; Gina Wilson, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Indian Affairs; and Minister Cheveldayoff, First Nations and Metis Relations. The Winter Assembly dates are February 15 – 17, 2011 with the first day set aside for Gaming. The Winter Assembly will be broadcasted online at www.fsin.com.
Women’s Commission
The Saskatchewan First Nations’ Women’s Commission (SFNWC) is pleased with the announcement made by The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services along with the Minister for Status on Women. On October 29, 2010 the Government of Canada has confirmed it will commit to providing resources to address missing and murdered First Nation Women in our communities. The Government has set aside $10 million dollars over two years to tackle issues in the areas of Police response and providing culturally appropriate initiatives to assist family members who are in need. The SFNWC will be working with Status of Women to attempt to gain funding to continue our many initiatives in Saskatchewan. .
In Saskatchewan, the SFNWC is working on leading edge initiatives and are currently working with the Regina Police Service as they produce stronger policy to ensure a greater and more efficient response to when a person has been reported missing. In some previous missing person reports, there were situations where the file was not followed up appropriately and it was due to flawed policy. The SFNWC will encourage the Police to continue to assess all their policies to ensure best practices.
Office of the 1st Vice Chief- Morley Watson
Partnership with Regina Business Group
On November 1, 2010, Vice Chief Morley Watson met with a Regina business group and some First Nations to establish a partnership for the purpose of hiring First Nation youth within the City of Regina. A number of businesses have agreed to be part of a pilot project that will include cross-cultural training and mentorship. The Vice Chief’s Office will continue to work with the Tribal Councils in recruiting candidates for the positions available.
INAC Quarterly Meeting
On November 3, Vice Chief Watson presented First Nations’ concerns to INAC officials and Regional Director Riel Bellegarde. The areas of focus were:
• Intervention Policy - Additional time on implementation was requested as First Nations have not been properly consulted on the impacts of the new policy in relation to their funding arrangements. In addition, it was requested that INAC work with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association directly to ensure First Nations are made aware of the changes and its implications. First Nations are encouraged to address their concerns directly with INAC on the Intervention Policy. Vice Chief office will continue to advocate for this engagement process.
• Housing – A package was presented to INAC that included a Chiefs Task Force on Housing. It is anticipated that by establishing “housing” as a renewed priority, housing issues will be dealt with seriously both technically and politically. Some of the areas of concern are housing backlog, renovations and standards.
• Active Measures - INAC was presented with a pilot project initially focusing on employment opportunities in the oil and gas sector with two participating Tribal Councils. However, the project has the potential of expanding into other sectors of the economy that will provide province-wide coverage. This project is a concrete effort to implement the objectives of the Federal “Active Measures” initiative: the creation of significant employment and training opportunities for our young people in partnership with a major national industry sector council.
Renovation of Economic Development programs
This week INAC has had a series of meeting with First Nations, Tribal Councils, Aboriginal Funding Institutes and FSIN to review the Aboriginal Economic Development Framework and Regional Priorities. Through these discussions it is expected that barriers and timing issues can be overcome, in order for First Nations to take advantage of Business opportunities. The final pre-engagement session is scheduled for November 22, 2010 - Location TBD
Home Ownership Conference planned for January 2011
The FSIN Housing secretariat will be hosting a Home Ownership Symposium on January 11th and 12th, 2011 in Saskatoon at the Radison Hotel. The symposium will explore home ownership possibilities for First Nation communities, Tribal Councils and individuals both on and off reserve. Overviews of available programs and services will be presented by financial institutions as well as presentations from First Nations across Canada who have successfully implemented home ownership in their communities. This Housing symposium will be beneficial for every level of personal or community exploratory home ownership stage.
Office of the 3rd Vice Chief- E. Dutch Lerat
National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program
On October 28-29, 2010, The National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) held Renewal Focus Groups Sessions. A Renewed Program Framework for on-reserve addiction services is currently in the development process. FNIH representatives have been holding regional focus groups with addiction workers, treatment center directors and other First Nation stakeholders in order to establish a completed Framework that will be presented at the National Chiefs Assembly in December 2010. The framework will be posted online until November 15, 2010 for feedback. Once finalized in early 2011, the framework will guide future investments into the program and will support strengthened programming, at all levels, for the next five to 10 years.
http://www.nnadaprenewal.ca/en/renewed-framework-reserve-addiction-services
SIIT Health and Community Studies Advisory Committee
November 1, 2010, the purpose of the first committee meetings was to establish goals and objectives of the committee that include providing guidance for Health and
Community Studies department in determining:
• relevancy of current programming to communities and employers
• where is the need?
• future directions of programming
Integrated Water Resource Management in Indigenous Communities Forum
On October 25 – 28, 2010 the University of Saskatchewan’s Safe Water for Health Research Team (SWHRT) held its 2nd annual research forum, ‘Integrated Water Resource Management in Indigenous Communities’ held at the U of S in Saskatoon. The forum was based on a research agenda intended to foster collaborative research and knowledge-sharing between researchers and indigenous communities from across Canada and with international partners. Dr. Lalita Bharadwaj and Dr. Cheryl Walder are supporting the FSIN in making international connections with Indigenous groups from the Ancash region in Peru.
On October 27th, 2010 the Peruvian visitors were welcomed by the FSIN Executive at the All-Chiefs-in-Assembly at the Dakota Dunes. The visitors from Peru were Eduardo Castro Suarez - Director of Urpichallay Association and Edwin J. Palomino Cadenas from Universidad Nacional Santiago Antunez De Mayolo (National University Santiago Antunez de Mayolo). They were presented with traditional birch bark baskets and given an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Chiefs. Following the welcome at the Chiefs Assembly they made a trip to the Muskoday First Nation to enjoy an evening with feast and traditional knowledge sharing on water.
On October 28th, 2010 the SWHRT met with the Peruvians to discuss next planning steps on the development of a source water protection planning project that will share and engage in an exchange of traditional knowledge and best indigenous ways of knowing practices that can be incorporated into the components of the project plans
Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) Awareness
November 1, 2010, the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative launched its diabetes awareness event at Wanuskewin. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between FSIN and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA). The FSIN and the CDA will work together to bring awareness, prevention and intervention on diabetes for First Nations. Approximately half of the FSIN staff participated in the diabetes risk assessment.
FSIN, CDA, the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatoon Health Region met to plan an Aboriginal Gathering for 2011 that CDA sponsors every year.
FSIN – INAC Meeting
November 3, 2010, Disabilities and Social topics were discussed at the FSIN-INAC meeting at Dakota Dunes. Vice Chief Lerat presented a briefing package to Indian and Northern Affairs Saskatchewan Regional Director General Riel Bellegarde. The briefing package was part of identified discussion items on Disability Supports; An update on Jordan’s Principle; Child Welfare Prevention Funding Formula; Funding for the Saskatchewan First Nations Social Development Conference; Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute resourcing; and an update on the FSIN Indian Child and Family Services Act.
Office of the 4th Vice Chief- Lyle Whitefish
FSIN/SIGA Pow Wow
The FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat is happy to announce that the FSIN/SIGA Pow Wow was a huge success this past weekend. There were more than 800 dancers and singers registered for the Pow Wow. There were 1500 inner-city families who were treated to complimentary passes and several First Nations schools that made arrangements to allow their students to participate in the annual celebration. Special Guest Miss Indian World Dakota Brant and Miss FSIN 2009 Powwow Princess Amelia Badger crowned the new Miss FSIN 2010 Powwow Princess Chenaya Taypotat from Cowessess First Nation. The FSIN would like to extend sincere appreciation to our staff members who volunteered and to Lorna Arcand, Director of Special Projects for coordinating the event. This year’s event would not be possible without the time and effort that our staff and the volunteers put in, an event that many Pow Wow dancers and singers look forward to. Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and to our sponsors!
Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Canada has nuclear waste that needs to be maintained and protected. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) provided a two day workshop session to First Nations in Saskatchewan from November 4-5, 2010 regarding their site selection process. Discussion items included the Adaptive Phased Management Site Selection Process, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, the Technical Site Evaluation Process, the Long Term Management of Used Nuclear Fuel in Canada, Adaptive Phased Management Facilities and Safety, and finally, Social, Economic and Cultural Considerations.
The nuclear waste is currently at the surface of the earth. Safety and security has been the top priority for all Canadians in all of the discussions. NWMO’s goals in the process include: ensuring the site is safe; ensuring the host community is informed and willing; helping the community to carefully and thoroughly consider the project’s potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to express interest, and ultimately, willingness to host the project; involving surrounding communities, regions and other jurisdictional levels affected by the project; involving First Nations, Métis and Inuit who will be potentially affected by the implementation of the project; and helping foster an ongoing public conversation.
The guiding principles of the NWMO site selection process are to ensure: focus on safety; meet or exceed regulatory requirements; informed and willing host community; focus on the Nuclear provinces; right to withdraw; siting process led by interested communities; respect Aboriginal rights, treaties and land claims; shared decision-making; inclusiveness; support capacity building; informing the process; community well-being; and ongoing engagement of governments. The highlights of the technical site evaluation process includes: ensure technical safety to protect humans and the environment, now and in the future; progressive and thorough technical site evaluation process (7-10 years); comprehensive technical site evaluation criteria; community involvement at all steps; evaluation process and results are subject to third-party reviews; including factors identified by traditional Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge.
The initial screening criteria will include an analysis of the following: enough land to accommodate surface and underground facilities; outside protected areas, heritage sites, provincial/national parks; land must not contain groundwater resources at repository depth; land must not contain known economically exploitable natural resources; and land must not be located in areas with known geological and hydrogeological features that prevent site from being safe. There are three main technical evaluation stages, these include: initial screening (2-3 months), feasibility study (1-2 years), and then the detailed site characterization (5 years). NWMO’s site selection process is long term, it will take approximately 7-10 years to select a site for the storage of nuclear waste. The FSIN will offer education and awareness sessions to the First Nations communities in Saskatchewan on the process, it is very clear that these are not consultation sessions. NWMO is also working with other provinces regarding the site selection process
Upcoming Meetings and Events
November 17-18, 2010- SFNVA Fundraising Banquet and Annual Assembly- Dakota Dunes Casino, Whitecap Dakota Nation, SK
November 17, 2010- FSIN and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer are co-hosting a national meeting of all Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP), Wanuskewin Heritage Park, SK
November 18, 2010- Cancer and Chronic Disease Prevention Community, Delta Bessborough, SK
November 30-December 1, 2010- Treaty Four Chiefs Meeting- Treaty Four Governance Centre- Fort Qu’Appelle, SK