FSIN Executive Communique September 23, 2011

First Nations Provincial Day of Action
The First Nations Provincial Day of Action is planned for Monday September 26, 2011 in Regina.

The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 10:00 a.m. next to the Cree Land Mini-Mart, 1101 Angus Street. At 11:00 a.m. a march to the Provincial Legislature will take place along Albert Street. At 12:30 a petition calling for Treaty Implementation will be presented at the Provincial Legislature.

The day of action is planned with several goals in mind:

• to raise awareness about Treaty and the Treaty relationship;
• to highlight the impact that the lack of Treaty Implementation has had on our families and our communities;
• to emphasize the positive effects Treaty Implementation can achieve; and
• to remind the Crown – our Treaty partner – about their obligation to work with First Nations on Treaty Implementation
Please visit our Facebook page entitled First Nations Provincial Day of Action.

FSIN Strengthening and Renewal
Vice Chief Watson attended various meeting recently which included, Treaty Four Chief Gathering, Riel Bellegarde – INAC, Assembly of First Nations Executive, Treaties 1-11 Gathering, National Roundtable on Treaties.
We have had a tremendous amount distraction over the past few months and on the last few weeks most of the attention of the Executive has been focused on the positive Strengthening and Renewal of the FSIN and due care and diligence must be taken in this work.

We have embarked on a consultation process that has identified a number of key goals.
• Implementation of the Treaty Principles
• Review and Strengthen our Legislation
• Elevate the Chiefs Advisory Committee eg) Development of Treaty Commission
• Fiscal Relationships (Sask First Nations, FSIN and Governments)
We would like to establish a technical team inclusive of the Executive Council in sharing responsibility to meet our goals during this time of renewal. We all need to be part of the solution.
I have full confidence that FSIN will continue to meet the challenges now and in the future in Treaty advocacy and protection.
We must implement gaming jurisdiction as envisioned in the gaming agreement and be masters of our own destiny in Gaming.
We must continue to challenge the Province on revenue resource sharing
We need to development of strong First Nations Legislation, have started this in Tobacco and Justice, that will strengthen our First Nations capacity in becoming Sovereign First Nations. Exercise Nation to Nation building.
As an Executive this cannot be done in isolation. Together as leaders we will build on what is ours and provide a legacy of development and opportunities for future generations. In the meantime we will continue to protect our interests and work with the First Nations leaders in cooperation with the executive council to make our organization stronger.
The Executive remain committed to the Federation and to the Chiefs of Saskatchewan in ensuring the strongest political organization in Canada remains that way.

The FSIN Executive are committed to ensuring that the best interests of First Nations people in Saskatchewan continue to be at the forefront of any of our activities. Since its inception 65 years ago the FSIN has been active providing a wide range of support to the First Nations of Saskatchewan
The Executive in consultation with the Senate, Elders and First Nations leadership have developed a move forward plan for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. It was present that we do have shared goals, and the importance of First Nations inclusion and participation in any process that we maintain open lines of communication with the First Nation leadership.

The First Nations Leadership in Saskatchewan are the ones that will have direct our organization as we move forward, and we want to share all views and see a positive message being portrayed within all our institutions. We want to ensure that an open dialogue is established, in ensuring a cohesive and confident strategic plan for the celebration and promotion of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in the area of Treaty Protection and Implementation. We look forward to working with all First Nations in the coming months.

Provicial/Federal

A letter was sent to Minister Cheveldayoff in response the Provinces concerns of Provincial funding being utilized to pay severance packages stating that funding agreements with specific deliverables are in place and monies will be utilized for those purposes. It was also stated that the FSIN is confident that we are capable of managing the financial responsibilities of our organization and still remain accountable to our First Nations and our funding agencies.

Vice Chief Watson met with and this same message was delivered to Riel Bellegarde, RDG INAC, who was quite comfortable with the financial position of the Federation and its abilities to manage its affairs.

At the recent AFN Executive meeting Vice Chief Watson had the opportunity to briefly address Minister Duncan and give assurances that we will move forward with the mandates of the Chiefs in Assembly and looking forward to working with his Department.

Tobacco Tax
We have received direction from our Legal Counsel and our First Nations to continue on with further action as a result of no response being received from the Small Claims Court, this was deemed as unsatisfactory and unacceptable. Letters have been forward to courts on this issue.
With regards to the First Nations Tobacco Control Act the FSIN continues the development of the documentation which addresses areas of Tobacco use, ceremonial use and economic benefits. There has been great concern expressed with the Ceremonial aspect of First Nation Tobacco use, we continue to concentrate on a strategy to address this area as it is of great importance within First Nations cultural aspect of life. The FSIN is currently meeting with the First Nations to develop their tobacco control strategy

Office of the 3rd Vice Chief- E. Dutch Lerat

Economic Development
The Economic and Community Development department has been participating in the planning for the Day of Action. This event is a result of a previous FSIN Assembly Resolution.

On Wednesday, September 14th, the Treaty 4 Assembly was held in Fort Qu'Appelle and very well attended. The Assembly was opened by respected Elder Jim Sinclair and his theme included "We all believe in Treaty". Jim also spoke to the concept of having our own Tribunal to deal with some of the issues that we are faced with today. He spoke to the issues of the last year and commented "We must all accept the blame". Certainly Jim is well versed on the issues that our people face on-reserve and the lack of economic opportunities, which has resulted in much poverty. "We must build our own Economy, based on our Treaty and Treaty Rights" said Jim.

The theme for the day revolved around the need to believe in our young people and to build a successful future for our children based on economic opportunities and continuing to demand our share of the resources that are being extracted from our traditional territories.

A follow up TATC potash meeting was hosted by Beardys & Okemasis on Monday September 19, 2011. The meeting was chaired by Dale Worm and organized by Paula Acoose, from the Specific Claims Department, FSIN. Gerry Kerr, consultant, provided the information on what a Impact Benefit Agreement should include. The TATC Potash Group is well organized and their work and discussions will reap much benefits to their communities. The next meeting will be held in early October, in Saskatoon.

The ECDC attended the BATC meeting in North Battleford on September 21st, 2011. The presentation was centered mainly around the Tobacco issue. An update was given to the BATC on the Small Claims court action that is lead by Muskoday FN. The presiding judge has not or will not issue a summons in this case, due to several issues, one of which was based on whether or not he had the jurisdiction to do so. The Judge did note that the Muskoday had other options which included taking this case to the Court of Queens bench. There will be further updates, when the Legal team for Muskoday meets again. There was also a presentation given around the Legislation and sovereignty of First Nations moving ahead with their own production, distribution and sale of tobacco.

The Proposal for a Manpower office that will recruit, train and retain First Nation people in the potash, oil and gas sector is moving forward and the Centre of Excellence will be getting the approvals necessary to move this project to the next step.

The Economic and Community Development Commission/Gaming Commission meeting will be held at Saskatoon Inn on Wednesday September 28, 2011

Housing
IMPORTANT REMINDER- CMHC Section 95 Surplus deadline is fast approaching. 100% completed packages are to be submitted by noon on October 14th, 2011.
Home Ownership and Affordable Housing
FSIN and the Saskatoon Tribal Council partnered with the City of Saskatoon, Affinity Credit Union and Buffalo Ridge Development to host the first of a series of informational sessions geared towards the promotion of homeownership through the utilization of available programs offered in the city. The first session which happened on September 22, 2011 at the STC boardroom was free of charge and was a great success. There were just under 50 participants in the hour and a half seminar. There will be more seminars coming soon and FSIN will work with other Tribal Councils, developers and municipalities to help facilitate Affordable housing and homeownership programs.
Environmental Youth Workshop
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Lands and Resources Secretariat will host an environmental youth workshop on September 23 – 25, 2011 in Regina. The purpose of the youth workshop is to develop greater self-awareness of their individual role in the conservation of their community's natural resources, a higher sense of responsibility towards their environment, and an increased confidence in their ability to shape the future.
In addition to the presentations and discussions, the environmental youth workshop is also a valuable experience in itself for First Nations youth; and is intended to motivate and empower these individuals to become active citizens within their communities and provide an environmentally conscious approach to their community's development.
The environmental youth workshop will cover environmental themes such as protection of environment, climate change, inland habitat protection, Nuclear Waste Management Organization, and youth leadership opportunities. The discussions will provide for youth input into identifying actions items, recommendations to strategies, key priorities, and collaborative efforts.
Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (Aquatics Resources)
The Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP) will be making presentations on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Fish Habitat, and on First Nations Environmental Awareness at the upcoming Environmental Youth Workshop being hosted in Regina on the September 23-25, 2011. The AIHP will commence visiting First Nations communities this fall with more efforts to visit more northern communities. If your community is interested in learning more about fish habitat and about your local watershed and environment, please do not hesitate to contact the FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat. Proposed plans from AIHP are to interview approximately six Elders that are familiar with the local ecology form their First Nations cultural perspectives. The end result is to draft a punishable document on First Nations Traditional Ecological Perspectives on Aquatics/Fish Habitat. The regions we are focus in on are watersheds north of the North Saskatchewan River. The Department of Oceans and Fisheries are now entertaining proposals for the Aboriginal Funding for Species at Risk (AFSAR) Program. If First Nations are interested and want further details, please contact the FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat /or DFO directly.

Following from the recent TLE Common Table meeting, an agreement has been reached on the price per acre for unimproved agricultural land. The First Nations will now return to individual negotiations as the Common Table has achieved its goal. It is anticipated that a settlement on the three claims in negotiation will be reached in the near future. Additionally, Specific Claim staff have been meeting with a number of First Nations regarding the responses they are receiving from Canada on their claims and on how to access the Specific Claims Tribunal process.

Office of the 4th Vice Chief- Lyle Whitefish

Treaties 1-11 Elders Gathering Tsuu T'ina First Nation
Vice Chiefs Whitefish and Lerat and FSIN senior Health staff met with Dr. David Suzuki at the Elders gathering and discussed an opportunity to enter into an Eco/Economic framework strategy via MOU subject to the Health and Social Development Chiefs Commission. Dr. David Suzuki was one of the keynote speakers at the Gathering and is recognized as a world leader in sustainable ecology. He is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, and is also an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster.
Jordan's Principle Joint Working Committee meeting
The Jordan's Principle Joint Working Committee met September 20, 2011. The Committee is close to finalizing documents for the following: Case Conferencing Protocol, Tracking Tool, Consent Form, and Communications Document. The Committee has been working hard in developing these tools to help cases for First Nations children with intensive need(s) in SK, and is close to completing phase 1 of their work.

Strategic Planning Meeting for National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP)
The meeting was held in Saskatoon to discuss the future of NNADAP Renewal. The other following issues were discussed as well: Human Resources Findings, Jurisdictional Issues, Collaborative System, Children, Youth & Family, Re-Landscaping, Managing Knowledge and Information, Strengthening Community, Barriers to Access, Service Gaps, Needs & Priorities, Qualifications and Training, the Importance of Cultural Based Programs and Governance. These discussions are in draft stage and will require further review and input from Elders and Community Members.
Treaties 1-11 Gathering Calgary, Alberta
Senior Health staff attended the Treaties Gathering in Calgary and participated in different workshops and information sessions. There was a United Nations Treaty Study Update by Chief Fox and legal counsel. Other items of discussion included the new Indian status border crossing cards, Jurisdiction and Relation with Federal and Provincial Governments to enhance the socio economic well-being of Treaty Indians, Strategy Sessions on implementation of Treaty, workshops on AFN and implementation of Treaty, an update on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights/Indigenous Peoples and a Round Table discussion with National Chief Shaun Atleo on Treaty Implementation.
Common Experience Payment (CEP)
The September 19, 2011 deadline has passed and the CEP processing Centre will not be accepting new CEP applications. Although the deadline has past there is still time for the CEP Appeal Process. There are three steps if an application has been denied or were not compensated for the all the years that they applied for. The first step is to fill out the CEP-Request for Reconsideration. This form requires additional information that might help the Common Experience response centre confirm that the survivor lived at the IRS(s) indicated on the CEP application. If step one happens to be denied, a form to the National Administration Committee (NAC) – Appeal form can be filled. This form asks the survivor to state the reason for appealing the decision of the Government of Canada concerning the application for CEP and to provide information to support the appeal and any information that the survivor feel may be relevant to the appeal. In the case of NAC denies the appeal then the CEP Court Appeal Form can be filled. In order for an appeal to move forward with the next step there needs to be a decision made on the last appeal submitted.
FSIN IRS staff attended the Keeseekoose and Ochapowace First Nations Indian Residential School Gathering on September 21 and 22, 2011 and both gatherings were well attended and very well facilitated by both First Nations.
The Saskatchewan team for IRS are developing a strategy to deliver information and updates to individuals in the urban centers at the Indian Metis Friendship Centers in Meadow Lake, Saskatoon, North Battleford and Yorkton. A team strategy is being put in place to delivery information and updates to the incarcerated in the minimum, medium and maximum security facilities across this province.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

September 26, 2011 – First Nations Provincial Day of Action, Regina
September 26 & 27, 2011: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Steering Committee meeting, Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park
September 27, 2011 – Education Commission Meeting, Saskatoon
September 27, 2011: Disability Working Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. Ramada Hotel, Alberta Room, Saskatoon
September 28, 2011 – Joint Economic Development/Gaming Commission Meeting, Saskatoon
September 28, 2011: Sturgeon Landing Indian Residential School Gathering
September 29, 2011: Denare Beach Indian Residential School Gathering
September 29, 2011: Joint Exec Council/IGC Meeting, Saskatoon