FSIN Executive Communique December 16, 2011

The FN-Crown Gathering is open to all First Nation Chiefs in Canada unfortunately there is no funding available for Chiefs to travel to Ottawa for the meeting. Delegates must RSVP to the AFN by January 4, 2012 at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This is a firm date, as the Prime Minister's Office has requested all names by January 5th for security purposes. A website will be set up shortly. The Prime Minister and Governor General are confirmed. AFN has requested full Cabinet participation, but does not have confirmation on this. There will be a prep session facilitated by AFN in Ottawa on January 23, 2011.

Technical support staff travelling with delegates may attend the prep session on January 23rd, but cannot attend the FN-Crown Gathering on January 24th. There will be a technical side room for support staff on January 24th. Much of the FN-Crown Gathering on January 24th will be webcast, and there will be ten regional video conference facilities.

FSIN 65th Anniversary Gala

Close to 1000 people attended the FSIN's 65th Anniversary Gala Dinner held Friday December 9, 2011 in Saskatoon. The special evening included honouring the families of the founders of the FSIN and past FSIN Chiefs. Many of the guests attending described the evening as very emotional and very uplifting as they remembered the FSIN's accomplishments in the last 65 years.

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. The bill was introduced to the Senate on November 28, 2011. As mentioned before, this will have an impact on First Nation communities in areas such as; land management, housing, child welfare, shelters, education, policing, citizenship and residency. First Nations communities need to develop their own legislation in terms of Matrimonial disputes resolutions processes and division of property should marital breakdowns occur. We have contracted Sharon Venne to produce a Draft Matrimonial Property Law Model should First Nation communities want to develop their own legislation. The Law is based on inherent First Nation jurisdiction and is meant as a resource guide for First Nations beginning or currently in the process of codifying their approach to MRP.

It remains and we continue to appeal to the Federal government the total disregard and 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 for Land Managers, Housing Coordinators, Membership Clerks, and Leadership.

Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against women has decided to conduct and inquiry into the murders and disappearances of Aboriginal women and girls across Canada.

The inquiry will investigate what we believe to be very serious violations against many of our First Nations women and girls. The SFNWC currently sits on the Provincial partnership Committee on Missing Persons. Several recommendations were put forth and objectives were identified as to be very pressing concerns; we need to increase awareness of the victim supports and services and responses available to assist families of missing persons and to start dialogue on how to link services across jurisdictions; to encourage governmental and non-government organizations to clearly identify the common and unique needs of families of missing persons and; to encourage discussions on the development of a more coherent regional approach to provide both short term and long term support and assistance.

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. The presentation and tour scheduled in Edmonton was to look at the Women Building Futures Project that was funded in partnership with industry. The SFNWC's Vision was to develop a First Nations Women's Institute that would create opportunities and meet the needs of our First Nation Women in Saskatchewan.

Currently, there are about 47,000 First Nation women and girls in Saskatchewan, making up about 10% of the total female population, 17% of the total population are single parents, 22% are unemployed, with 45% of First Nations women in Saskatchewan reported having no certificate, diploma or degree. The median income for First Nation women in Saskatchewan $12,611 compared to $20,746 for non-aboriginal women. The alarming rates cause grave concern for the Women's Commission, we are currently collecting data and research that impact the socio economic conditions for our Women and Children. Other areas of study include income support, justice, family violence, teenage pregnancy, health, and housing. The gender based statistical reports 90% of all women sentenced to custody were Aboriginal. We continue to move forward on a shared vision that affirms and advances First Nations rights in ways that will improve the quality of life and strengthen our people, our families, and our communities.

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 Rights to Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Gathering

Treaty First Nations assert that they intended to share the land, and jurisdiction and management over it, as opposed to ceding the land. First Nations state that they agreed to share the land to the depth of a plough. Thus, in First Nations' view, the fish and wildlife were not ceded to the Crown and therefore still belong to First Nations.

"I don't want your animals or the land that you live on. I'll (Her Majesty) make a deal with you. I'll keep all your animals for you because there will be many whitemen and they might kill your animals, so I'll keep and preserve them for whenever you want to hunt. When you want to hunt you may do so. They are your animals."(Alexander Morris, Treaty Commissioner)

It was the understanding of First Nations that conservation laws would be primarily to protect game for their use, as white people would be dependent for a living upon agriculture and domestic animals rather than fish and wildlife.

Signing of Treaties assured all Treaty First Nations that they would be as free to hunt, fish, trap and gather as they had done before the Treaty. The Treaty Commissioners recognized that it would have been impossible to get First Nations to sign the Treaty without such assurances.

Treaty Land Entitlement

The Lands & Resources Secretariat hosted a Reserve Creation Workshop for the Treaty Land Entitlement and Specific Claim First Nations at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon on December 7 & 8, 2011.

The workshop presented information on the policies of the provincial and federal governments regarding the implementation of the TLE agreements. That information will assist the entitlement and specific claim First Nations on dealing with implementations issues such as "Third-party Interests", provincial Crown land acquisitions, and provincial Crown minerals acquisition. As well the First Nations received information and advice on researching and mapping for land acquisition purposes, reserve land designations, industry relations, effective negotiations and accessing economic development funding from the federal government.

The participants that delivered the information include representatives from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and from the provincial government's First Nations & Metis Relations (FNMR) and other provincial ministries and agencies.

The FSIN Executive met with Riel Bellegarde, Regional Director General - Saskatchewan Region, on November 15, 2011 to discuss priority issues affecting the First Nations of Saskatchewan.
  Vice-Chief Bird forwarded a letter to RDG Bellegarde November 21st, 2011 requesting in writing a response to the following issues;
i. Chronic Underfunding of First Nations Education
ii. Post-Secondary Education
iii. INAC’s Education Information System (EIS)
iv. Connectivity and Microsoft Licensing
v. Future Research Resources
•   Riel has responded with one letter to the Chiefs on the EIS.
Post-Secondary Education
•  There have been conflicting reports from INAC on what changes are or are not forthcoming for the Post-Secondary Education Program. 
•   December 12th, 2011 the SIETC passed a unanimous resolution requesting the FSIN Education Secretariat to work with the Directors of Education and the PSE Coordinators to pursue funds to develop a business case analysis of the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP).
Bi-lateral Task Force between the FSIN and the province:
•   Closing date for applications was Nov. 10th and 54 applications were received.
•   The First Nations’ Directors of Education and the SIETC Chiefs have created a short list of candidates, which will now be used in negotiation with the provincial government to choose the three-person task force.
Independent report entitled “Report on Priority Actions in View of Improving First Nations Education” co-authored by FSIN, First Nations Education Council (FNEC) Quebec and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Ontario.
•   On December 5th, 2011 the report was presented by Vice Chief Bird, Chief Gilbert Whiteduck (FNEC) and Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose (NAN).  The AFN Executive formally accepted the report.
•   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.
•   For an electronic copy of the report please see www.fsin.com
Action Plan on Education in the Context of Treaty (APECT)
• Presently two documents are in progress: The resource paper titled “Honouring First Nations Culture and Languages: Towards Bicultural and Bilingual Education” and the APECT First Nations Education Structure Model
• Feedback will be collected at 5 regional meetings with Education stakeholders so that the model developed for expected delivery in 2012 satisfies the collective requirements of the 74 First Nations and independent First Nations, yet is flexible enough for each First Nation to meet their unique cultural and language needs.

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 February 2012.

Saskatchewan First Nation Games
 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 and full bid packages are now being accepted until January 19, 2011 at 4:00pm.

FSIN Youth and Adult Championships
Invitation to bid on the 2012 FSIN Championships deadline has been extended until January 19, 2011 @ 4:00pm for the following sports:
Youth Championships – Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Golf, Softball and Soccer
Adult Championships – Basketball, Canoeing, 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. 

Visit www.fsin.com or FSIN Facebook page for results

Environmental Youth Council

The Environmental Youth Council (EYC) met in Waskesiu on December 2-3, 2011 to further discuss the issue of nuclear waste management, green energy opportunities, and to continue planning for the youth culture camp in Waskesiu, SK (Paspewin Heritage Site) in July 2012. The EYC will provide recommendations to the FSIN Lands and Resources Commission on nuclear and alternative energy solutions.

Support for Renewal of the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP)

The Assembly of First Nation's (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly on December 5th - 9th in Ottawa, Ontario passed resolution # calling on Government of Canada to re-establish the program or design a new program with a similar mandate and similar funding capacity, request Government of Canada honours its international legal obligations in the Convention on Biological Diversity and its international commitment to the principles within the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and directs AFN to undertake negotiates with Canada to design new programs.

Specific Claims

The Director of Specific Claims attended the Chiefs Committee on Claims meeting and the session on Land Rights at the AFN Assembly in Ottawa. Chief Perry Bellegarde was the political representative at the Chiefs Committee on Claims. The main issues discussed were: Comprehensive Claims policy reform, Specific Claims/Tribunal, and reform to the Additions to Reserve (ATR) policy.

The AFN is preparing for the five year review of the Tribunal which is a requirement of the Specific Claims Tribunal Act. FSIN is expecting to play an important role in this review. Additionally, AFN plans on holding two think tanks on Specific Claims early in 2012.

The AFN Assembly gave direction to continue with work by the Joint Working Group on ATR reform. The Director of Specific Claims will be attending the Joint Working Group session on ATR this week in Ottawa.

Saskatchewan Corrections, Public Safety and Policing

On December 14th, Vice Chief Cameron accompanied representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) in their meeting with Saskatchewan Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert. The discussion focused on the continued support for the PAGC Healing Lodge in Wahpeton Dakota Nation and the transference of the Echo Valley Youth Center to FHQTC control.

These developments are supported by the Saskatchewan Ministry and will continue to evolve. Updates will be provided when significant terms are negotiated.

Presentation on the RCMP Cadet Program

On December 14th, representatives from RCMP Headquarters, Ottawa, made a presentation to the FSIN and its Secretariats on the newly established national RCMP cadet program. St. Theresa Point, a First Nation with a population of approximately 5,400 people in northern Manitoba is conducting the first RCMP Cadet Program Pilot. The eight-month course is delivered by the University College of the North and Assiniboine Community College.

The program is primarily used as a recruiting venue for the RCMP. FSIN has requested written information so it can be shared with the communities.

Conference on Indigenous Community Development

The Women's, Treaty Governance and Justice Secretariats are teaming up to host a working conference on Indigenous Community Development. Working sessions will include: implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, facilitating discussion on Citizenship and Matrimonial Real Property, introducing the "Human Rights Handbook for First Nations" to communities, and conducting a Mock Tribunal process to resolve community conflict.

The conference will be held at the Saskatoon Inn on February 1 & 2, 2012. More information will be forthcoming. Please feel free to contact Christine Clarke at 956-6909 with your suggestions.

Panorama Information Governance

Panorama is a new Public Health surveillance software system scheduled for deployment within Saskatchewan in 2013. The Information Governance Working Group (IGWG) is a sub-group of the Panorama Steering Committee for First Nations Deployment of Panorama. The IGWG has 14 members representing the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, FSIN, and First Nations. The IGWG group meets through teleconference bi-weekly and in-person monthly. Meetings have been postponed for the holiday season and will resume in the New Year.

The IGWG had held a meeting in Saskatoon at the FSIN offices on December 12, 2011. The agenda for this meeting included the discussion of how information currently flows through the Public Health system for on-reserve and off-reserve delivery of Public Health services. The FSIN is also working on a review of legislature and information governance related to Public Health delivery of services within Saskatchewan. A forum for engagement of First Nations regarding information governance, OCAP, Public Health legislation, and other topics is planned for the first quarter of 2012.

FSIN First Nations Child Welfare Framework Update

On December 15, 2011 the FSIN Chiefs Political Task Force on Child Welfare will meet for the first time. The Agenda focused on reviewing the Terms of Reference, work plan and decision items that must be brought forward to the Chiefs Assembly in February 2012.

First Nations Child and Youth Agenda

The DRAFT of the First Nations Child and Youth Agenda were reviewed by the Chiefs Political Task Force on Child Welfare on December 15, 2011. FSIN received further direction from First Nations on the priorities that need to be focused on for children, youth and families, and this information will further inform the FSIN First Nations Child and Youth Agenda. The DRAFT of the First Nations Child and Youth Agenda will continue to be reviewed by the Department of the FSIN, the FNCFS Technical Advisory Group and the Health and Social Development Commission Chiefs in January 2012.

AFN First Nations Income Assistance Working Group (FNIAWG)

On December 7, 8, 2011 FSIN participated via teleconference call the AFN First Nations Income Assistance Working Group Meeting in Ottawa. The Agenda focussed on Active Measures, and the current priorities that AANDC is focussing on in this area for the upcoming fiscal year. FSIN will bring further updates to Saskatchewan First Nations technicians and First Nations leadership.

Jordan's Principle

On December 13, 2011 FSIN participated on the Joint Working Committee on Jordan's Principle via teleconference call, and the agenda focused on the General Case Conferencing Protocol that is being finalized. FSIN is continuing to review the document with First Nations technicians and leadership forums. The First Nations amendments that must be considered by the Federal and Provincial parties will be brought forward to these governments in January 2012.

Gaming Framework Agreement and FNARF

The Gaming Commission meeting occurred on December 13, 2011 in Saskatoon at the Travelodge. The Gaming Framework Agreement is due to be re-negotiated, and FSIN Health and Social Development attended in order to put forward their information regarding the needs for the FNARF program.

FSIN Meeting with AANDC

On December 12, 2011 Vice Chief Lerat met with Regional Director General of AANDC and raised a number of different issues as follows: FSIN Child Welfare Framework Development; Federal government has made changes to the Children's Special Allowance Act which will come into effect January 1, 2012; and the current Prevention Evaluation being conducted by AANDC.

Saskatchewan Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC)

On December 12, 2011 FSIN participated in the DISC meeting via teleconference call. It was a critical meeting due to the upcoming enrolment process for people who live independently in the community. At the Dec 12th meeting, the government, along with the DISC members who have been working on the design and implementation of SAID, will outline the enrolment process for us.

Program Implementation Advisory Team (PIAT) for the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) Program

On December 13, FSIN participated in the PIAT meeting via teleconference call, which was held in Regina, SK

AFN Chiefs Committee on Social Development

In fulfillment of a Chiefs Committee on Health motion to establish a Chiefs Committee on Social Development, the AFN held a conference call on November 29th, 2011. To date, only three regions responded with appointments to the Committee, including the FSIN, requiring another call for appointments. The AFN tabled an update on social development related files including Active Measures until all regional appointments are forwarded.

AFN Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH)

The AFN CCOH held a conference call on December 5th to discuss the impacts of Federal Debt Reduction and to discuss a strategy for the Health Accord Renewal. Provincial/Territorial organizations will be advising the AFN on how they can support each region in participation in the Health Accord Renewal process.

Did you know?

Between 21% and 24% of the population of Saskatchewan will be of Aboriginal Identity in 2031. Provincially, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will have the largest proportions of Aboriginal people by then. By 2031 one in every four people receiving health care will be First Nations and yet First Nations health funding continues to fall well below that of provincial health care funding.

Did you know?

Late Grand Chief Howard Anderson (1924-2010), was just 16 years old when he signed up to fight for Canada in the Second World War. He would later become the Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association. During this time Howard worked diligently and lobbied the federal government on behalf of Saskatchewan's First Nations Veterans to compensate Veterans and their spouses. In 2002, Howard's devotion to the Veterans was rewarded when the federal government offered some compensation - $20,000 for each eligible First Nations Veteran and their surviving spouse. The government said it was not compensation but an indication of goodwill. There was never an apology from the federal government to the First Nations Veterans for the lack of recognition after the Second World War or the Korean War.

Upcoming Meetings:

December 20, 2011: Indian Residential Schools National Event Informational/Planning Meeting, Saskatoon Inn – Canadian Room 10:00 am

December 20, 21, 2011: Senior Technical Advisory Group (STAG)

Saskatoon Travelodge 9:30 am

January 5, 2012: a First Nations Child Welfare Framework Committee meeting location: TBD

January 11, 2012: Indian Justice Council Meeting, FSIN Boardroom, Saskatoon

January 11-12, 2012: A First Nations Child and Family Services Technical Advisory Group meeting will be held in Saskatoon, SK. Location: TBD

January 17, 2012: Indian Justice Commission Meeting, Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon

February 1 & 2, 2012: Conference on Indigenous Community Development, Saskatoon Inn

June 21 to 24, 2012: Truth and Reconciliation Commission-Saskatchewan National Event, Saskatoon, SK