FSIN Executive Communique December 2, 2011

Protocol Between First Nations and the RCMP

On November 21st, Vice Chief Cameron met with Assistant Commission of “F” Division, Russell Mirasty, to discuss the working relationships between the RCMP and First Nation communities. 

 This has been an ongoing issue and First Nations have expressed their desire to regain some responsibility in maintaining peace and order within their own communities.  The Assistant Commission was receptive to developing a working protocol between the policing service deliverer and First Nations. 

Peacekeeping was the other topic discussed. Since the Indigenous Peacekeeping program is now accredited through SIAST, the next step is to access resources to employ these trained professionals in our communities.  The Assistant Commissioner supports the concept of peacekeeping and is willing to discuss this matter further. The ultimate goal is to ensure that we have safe communities. 

Presentation to the Treaty 4 Chiefs Council

On November 23rd, the FSIN Justice Secretariat was requested to present the revised Treaty 4 Proclamation and Convention to the Treaty 4 Chiefs Council.  There was extensive discussion throughout the presentation that included law making authority, aggregate law development, terms and definitions to provide clarity and the language used to articulate an indigenous perspective.  Further discussion will occur and the Chiefs Executive Council.
 

Role of the Province at the Treaty Table

The Treaty Governance Office hosted a forum on the role of the Province at the Treaty Table.  The forum included several FSIN Executive Directors, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and researchers from the University of Saskatchewan.  Recommendations were brought for the purpose of engaging the Province in the critical discussions of lands, education, health and justice.  Further consultations are required to develop a more meaningful approach for Treaty Table work. 

Lands and Resources Commission Meeting
The Commission met on November 29, 2011, and agenda items included: Environmental Youth Initiative, Treaty Table - HFTG, Duty to Consult, Treaty Land Entitlement; Nuclear Waste Management Organization; Aboriginal Inland Habitat Protection; Water Management; All Indian Pueblo Council and a number of other areas. The Commission provided support and direction to the Executive Member and the Lands and Resources Secretariat (LRS). The Commission will meet in January for an Action Planning Session.

Treaty Land Entitlement
The FSIN will convene two workshops during the fall and winter for the Entitlement and Specific Claim First Nations.  The first workshop will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon on December 7 & 8, 2011.  The workshop will present information and advice to the First Nations on: a solution to resolve “Third-party Interests”; Crown land sales; acquisition of mineral interests; mapping and research for land acquisition; reserve land designations; industry relations; accessing economic development funding from the federal government. The second workshop will be determined following the December workshop.

Environmental Youth Council
The purpose of the Environmental Youth Council (EYC) is to build capacity, undertake research and develop an environmental framework that will complement the First Nations “Protecting Our World Strategy”.  The EYC will host a summer youth culture camp in Waskesiu, SK (Paspewin Heritage Site) in July 2012.  For more information please contact FSIN Lands and Resources at (306) 665-1215.

First Nations Reject Provincial Jurisdiction
The FSIN Chiefs-in-Assembly passed Resolution #1723, entitled “Non-recognition of Ministry of Environment’s Enforcement Protocol – Entry by Conservation Officer’s on First Nations Lands” which recommends that First Nations in Saskatchewan adopt Band Council Resolutions rejecting provincial jurisdiction and renounce the Ministry of Environment’s (MoE) Enforcement Protocol on First Nations Lands and waterways, and support a province-wide ban of MoE Conservation Officers’ entry on respective First Nations’ lands and waterways.
 
Support for Renewal of AIHP
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has informed participants of the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP) that funding will not be renewed past the 2011-2012 fiscal year. In response, First Nation groups participating in the AIHP have jointly drafted a resolution to be put forward at the Assembly of First Nation’s (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly on December 5th - 9th in Ottawa, Ontario to re-establish the program or design a new program with a similar mandate and similar funding capacity. 
 
The discontinuation of AIHP was announced in November, 2011 without forewarning or discussion with participant groups. The decision to discontinue the AIHP program contradicts DFO’s mandate to work towards sustainable ecosystems and may be an impediment to carrying out meaningful consultation following proper First Nation protocols.  AIHP is currently the only DFO funding program accessible to First Nations in the 5 inland provinces. Many of the unique programs designed by AIHP groups, including youth summer camps, internship programs, and waterway use studies are in jeopardy without the AIHP program.

Specific Claims
As a member of the national working group dealing with the Additions to Reserve policy, the Director of Specific Claims participated in meetings of the working group in Ottawa this week.  Staff was also involved in providing technical and policy support to the Treaty 4 Council of Chiefs at their meeting on November 23-24, and to the First Nations involved in potash developments dealing with the Jansen Lake Potash Mine.

Matrimonial Real Property

Bill S-2 is before the Canadian Human Rights Standing Committee which empowers Provincial Courts to preside over disputes related to matrimonial property on reserves.   Such an approach would affect our First Nation communities in areas such as; land management, dispute resolution capacity, housing, child welfare, shelters, policing, citizenship, residency and family violence.  The overall concern for all First Nations is the disregard to disrespect of First Nation jurisdiction and authority in this matter. It is imperative for First Nation communities to develop their own legislation in regards to Matrimonial Real Property. The SFNWC, along with the Justice Secretariat and the Treaty Governance office will be planning a 2 day conference in February to address the pressing issues of our First Nation communities.

Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Institute

We have requested funding from INAC in the development of a research project, work plan, outline and design of a First Nation Women’s Institute to ensure that First Nation women have access to education, training and employment opportunities.  A presentation and tour is scheduled in Edmonton to look at the Women Building Futures Initiative on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011.  We are looking at developing partnerships with various Industry partners in this new Initiative.

HIV/AIDS Strategy

We have requested Health Canada to include the SFNWC in the regional table discussions pertaining to the HIV/AIDS strategy for First Nation people in Saskatchewan.

We need to take a look at a more comprehensive strategy that involves the resources and support systems at the First Nation community level.   We need to be able to address and develop community engagement strategies utilizing our most powerful resource, our youth.

We have requested the need for additional First Nation HIV/AIDS Regional Outreach and Support Services in all our Tribal areas..  We will continue to request and present the need for more resources for each Tribal area that consist of (1) one HIV/AIDS Regional Outreach Prevention/Support Workers.

Treaty Governance Office

The TGO Citizenship Engagement Team travelled to Stony Rapids on November 9 and 10 to discuss citizenship issues with members of the Fond du Lac and Black Lake Denesuline Nations. Their input will be part of a final report that is due on December 31. If any First Nations wish to have a citizenship session in their community, please contact JoAnna Sanderson at 665-1215 to make arrangements.
TGO members presented and participated in the National Forum on First Nations Citizenship on November 15 and 16 in Enoch, Alberta. There were presentations on Citizenship issues from the Niisg’a, Anishnabek Nation, Gitxsan, US Tribal Citizenship and the FSIN. Workshops addresses developments at Westbank and the Yukon self-government agreements, legal issues around citizenship, transfer payments, culture and tradition in deciding citizenship, dispute resolution related to citizenship appeals, advice and instruments to assist in developing citizenship legislation and computer programs to manage citizenship data.
There was a sidebar meeting at this conference between TGO and the Treaty 7 Elders advisory group on the operations of the OTC and the Treaty Table in Saskatchewan. The Elders have been asked to consider the matter and advise the Alberta Treaty Summit in the new year.
TGO attended the Treaty Table Health Working Group meeting on November 23, where Sol Sanderson presented on behalf of the Treaty 6 Medicine Chest Task Force. The presentation focussed on the need to mutually agree on the scope of the Treaty right to health and the mechanisms and legislation required by First nations to assume jurisdiction in delivering health services to our people. The Working Group members were very interested in the detailed presentation and will take it under advisement as they move forward.
TGO attended the Treaty table meeting on November 24 to consider reports from the Working Groups on Health and HFTG, to discuss the report from Dr. Bob Kayseas on the traditions and values of the Denesuline in the area of livelihood, to review the OTC work plan for 2011-2012 and begin discussions on the work plan for 2012-2013, to plan for the Treaty implementation session for January 19 and to review the Treaty Implementation Report card.
TGO hosted a workshop for the FSIN Secretariats on the role of the province in inherent right and Treaty implementation. OTC staff facilitated the session and presentations were made by SELU from the U of S on three research papers that were delivered to OTC. There are over 1300 SK/FN agreements in the areas of TLE, health, education, social services, policing, resources and training. The group reviewed examples from other jurisdictions of provincial and First Nation agreements, such as James Bay and Nisga’a. The workshop is part of the preparations for a major inter-governmental meeting on Treaty implementation in the new year.
Sports, Culture, Youth & Recreation

North American Indigenous Games 2014
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations bid committee where successful in securing the 2014 NAIG. The NAIG Council meeting was held November 17-20, in Ignacio, Colorado.  Three members of the bid committee travelled to the NAIG Council meeting in Ignacio Colorado to present progress report and plans for transition into a host society. NAIG Council was pleased with the progress that has been made in this transition process to this point.  The Education Commission has approved the creation of a separate entity for the 2014 Host Society. FSIN has incorporated the 2014 Host Society, and are in the process of developing a Board of Directors, and negotiating a multi-party agreement for funding with the Province and Sport Canada. Bob McMahon has assisted in the transition process from a Bid Committee to a Host Society

Team Saskatchewan will start it planning in January with the recruitment of sport coordinators.

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships 2012
The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will be hosted in Saskatoon, in April/May 2012 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Talent ID camps will start in January and February 2012.

Saskatchewan First Nation Games
 The 2011 Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games were hosted by the Thunderchild First Nation in August, 6-11, 2011. Complete results can be found on the FSIN website
 The 2012 Saskatchewan First Nation Winter Games will be hosted by the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs in April 9-14, 2012 in Saskatoon. The sport technical package was reviewed and will be finalized and sent out December 2, 2011.
 The 2013 Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games were awarded to the Muskoday First Nation and will be hosted in Muskoday and surrounding communities. 
 The 2014 Saskatchewan First Nation Winter Games bidding process has been extended, letter of intents are now being accepted until December 20, 2011 at 4:00pm.

FSIN Youth and Adult Championships
 The 2011 Youth Volleyball was hosted by Lac La Ronge, October, 8-9, 2011
 The 2011 Youth and Adult Golf was hosted by Flying Dust, August 2011
 The 2011 Adult Slo-Pitch was hosted by Dakota Cree Sports, September 3-5, 2011
 The 2011 Adult Softball was hosted by Dakota Cree Sports, August 12-14, 2011
 The 2011 Adult Soccer was hosted by Poundmaker, Saskatoon, September 3-5, 2011
 The 2011 Adult Volleyball was hosted by Cote, November 26-27, 2011
 The 2011 Youth Athletics was hosted by Lac La Ronge, June, 11, 2011
 The 2011 Archery Championships was hosted by Beardy’s and Okemasis in August, 2011
Visit www.fsin.com or FSIN Facebook page for results

Invitation to bid on the 2012 FSIN Championships was sent out in October, 2011. The deadline for bids for the 2012 FSIN Championships has been extended until January 12, 2011 for the following sports: 
Youth Championship Sports: Athletics, 3D Archery, Canoeing, Basketball, Badminton, Golf, Softball and Soccer
Adult Championship Sports: 3D Archery, Canoeing, Basketball, Golf, Slo-pitch and Volleyball
All bid packages must include your letter of intent (signed by your Chief), organizational plan, administrative, financial, sport technical, timelines and potential host site(s).  If you are bidding on multiple sports each sport requires a separate package, any incomplete bids will not be reviewed. 
FSIN Powwow and Cultural Celebration 2011
The FSIN Powwow and Cultural Celebration held November 11-13, 2011 at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon. 
FSIN Sport, Culture, Youth and Recreation Board
The board had a planning session November 22-24, 2011 in Saskatoon.  Next scheduled board meeting is January 11, 2011, location TBD.
FSIN-AFN Youth Representative
On November 9th, The FSIN Youth Rep – Evan Chamakese was invited to be the master of ceremonies and sit as a panellist, during the panel presentations at the 2011 “Spirit of Our Nations” Cultural and Education Symposium held at the Saskatoon, Inn. Vice Chief Simon Bird was also invited to speak and give the welcoming address to the 200 youth who were in attendance.  The youth were very honoured to have the support of our leadership and were given the opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns to Vice Chief Bird. The event also featured performances by outgoing Miss FSIN, Chenaya Taypotat and Miss Indian World: Marjorie Linne Tungewenuk Tahbone.
On November 15th, the FSIN Youth Rep – Evan Chamakese participated in the AFN Tri-Council Meeting held at the River Cree Resort in Enoch, Alberta. The AFN Tri-Council is comprised of the AFN Council of Elders, The Council of Women and the National Youth Council. The AFN Tri-Council is currently working on a strategic plan which would build a stronger voice based on the “family model” where the role of the Elders, Women and Youth are heard, respected and valued.  In the discussions, Education was a clear priority as the Tri-Council moves forward, The female youth representative of Alberta had raised concerns about The National Panel on Education, regarding underrepresentation. 
As a representative of the FSIN and the youth of Saskatchewan, I affirmed the position of our Chiefs as stated in Resolution #1771 which rejects the national panel whose stated purpose and process will diminish the federal government’s Treaty obligations with respect to education.  I maintained that the youth of Saskatchewan want our Treaty Right to Education upheld. The National Panel has invited members of the AFN National Youth Council to participate in meetings during the week of November 22nd – 25th, the FSIN youth representative has declined the invitation and will not participate in any further meetings with the National Panel.
Education and Training Secretariat
INAC/AFN National Education Panel
FSIN protocol continues: The Education Secretariat continues to support Resolution # 1779 “Free, Prior and Informed Consent in the Protection of Treaty” passed by the Chiefs in Assembly at Onion Lake on July 6, 2011, stating the consultation process of the National Education Panel will not be supported by the Chiefs of Saskatchewan.
FNEC (QUE), FSIN (SASK) and NAN(Northern Ont) have completed the writing of the independent report.The First Nations Education Council of Quebec, the FSIN and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation of Northern Ontario have finalized the independent report entitled “Report on Priority Actions in View of Improving First Nations Education” .
• The report is going to be presented to the Assembly of First Nations Executive Meeting on December 5th at 10:00am at the Special Assembly in Ottawa.  This final report will be presented by Vice Chief Simon Bird, Saskatchewan, Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose, Ontario and Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Community, Quebec
• The report will also be presented to the AFN Chiefs Committee on Education on December 5th at 6:00pm in Ottawa.
• There is also a press release planned to release the report to the media on the afternoon of December the 5th in Ottawa.
• The independent report will be available on the FSIN website on Monday December 5th, 2011.

Post-Secondary Education
The option titled “First Nation Control plus a Regional Fund for Post-Secondary Funding” will be presented to the Education Commission Chiefs and further direction will be requested.   This meeting will occur on December 12, 2011.  At the Legislative Assembly in October of 2010, the Chiefs passed Resolution #1734 that asked that the option be finalized and presented once more to the Legislative Assembly. It is expected that it will be on the agenda at the February Legislative Assembly.

Bi-lateral Task Force between the FSIN and the province:
• 53 people have applied to be on the bilateral task force.  The process to select three final panelists is currently underway. 
• Closing date for applications was November 10th.

The FSIN Executive met with Riel Bellegarde, Regional Director General - Saskatchewan Region, on November 15, 2011 to discuss priority issues affecting First Nations of Saskatchewan.
• Vice-Chief Bird requested that any responses from Riel on issues regarding First Nations Education should be responded to in writing.
• Riel has responded with one letter to the Chiefs on the Education Information System (EIS).
• Chiefs of the Prince Albert Grand Council have expressed concerns about this letter to the FSIN.

Upcoming Meetings:

December 7 and 8, 2011: TLE Implementation Workshop, Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon

December 2, 2011: Urban Engagement Session on Citizenship, White Buffalo Lodge, Saskatoon
December 3, 2011:  Urban Engagement Session on Citizenship, RTSIS, Regina
December 9, 2011:  Chiefs Advisory Committee, FSIN Board Room, Saskatoon