FSIN Executive Communique January 13, 2012

Canada/First Nations Gathering
Canada/First Nations Gathering will be televised at the Saskatoon Inn on January 24th, 2012. The Agenda officially kicks off with a Sun Rise Ceremony at 7:00 Eastern Standard time (EST). The Opening Ceremony begins at 9:00 am EST, which means that our video stream of this event will start at 7:00 am. CST. The FSIN will be providing lunch.
Post-Secondary Education
The FSIN has not been able to get a definite statement on the future of the program from the Federal Government. There continues to be a lack of clarity around the future of Post-Secondary Student Support Funding Program (PSSSP).
As directed by the SIETC at the December 12, 2011 Education Commission, the FSIN Secretariat and SITAG are working on developing a business case to support the PSSSP.

First Nations Planning Session
First Nations have no issues with supporting educational initiatives to advance First Nations education as long as they do not interfere with First Nations implementation of the Treaty Right to Education.

The AFN is in the process of developing an outcomes framework for the First Nations – Crown Gathering. The AFN is advocating moving forward in support of the Senate Committee Report (released December 2011) and the National Panel Report (not yet released) but both of these reports have not been vetted by the SIETC or the Chiefs of Saskatchewan. First Nation reports such as the Independent Report by FSIN, FNEC & NAN should be considered when looking at recommendations.

Bi-lateral Task Force between the FSIN and the province:
On January 06th, 2012 Vice-Chief Bird met with three provincial deputy ministers to reaffirm support for the Bilateral Task Force and work on the processes involved.

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.
FSIN is in the process of finding out what the process will be for the tabling of independent reports at the First Nations – Crown gathering. Once it is understand what the process will be, we will be tabling this report at the Jan. 24th First Nations Crown Gathering.
For an electronic copy of the report please see www.fsin.com

Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples released its report on Reforming First Nations Education in December of 2011. The report makes four recommendations including:
1) The development of a National First Nations Education Act,
2) To provide statutory authority to make payments from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to First Nations educational authorities,
3) INAC and First Nations organizations along with AFN develop a Canada-First Nation Action Plan for education reform,
4) A Joint Task force be established to oversee and monitor progress related to First Nations Education reform.
* Please note this report and/or its recommendations have not been analysed, discussed or reviewed by the SIETC or the Chiefs of Saskatchewan.
Action Plan on Education in the Context of Treaty (APECT)
Feedback will be collected at 5 regional meetings with Education stakeholders to finalize the development of the APECT Model. This model is to be completed in 2012 and will satisfy the collective requirements of the 74 First Nations and independent First Nations. The APECT model will be flexible enough for each First Nation to meet their unique cultural and language needs.
The first APECT Planning session will be held on January 26th in Saskatoon with Vice Chief Bird in attendance.

Teacher Salary Increases
INAC has sent a letter to Chief and Councils on Dec. 21, 2011 announcing the new Band School Teacher Salary Funding. It was forwarded to the Directors of Education (DOEs) of the First Nations and the consensus of the DOEs is that INAC's funding is insufficient. The end result is that First Nations will be left with higher deficits in education. Two First Nations have done the calculations and indicated they will have deficits of $51,000 and $54,000 when trying to match the new Saskatchewan teacher salaries and this does not include any retroactive pay.
Saskatchewan Environmental Code (the Code)
The Ministry of Environment (MOE) began work on its proposed Results-Based Regulatory Review (RBR) in 2008 which would later introduce legislative changes through a new Saskatchewan Environmental Code. FSIN immediately responded by demanding a consultation process be developed with First Nations. The Ministry of Environment has made a decision to adopt a Results-Based Regulatory framework and to introduce legislative amendments to implement this approach, prior to determining who would be responsible for consulting First Nations, and prior to establishing a consultation process or procedure with First Nations. These changes will directly impact First Nations inherent and Treaty rights, and the Crown has a legal duty to consult and accommodate First Nations. The Chiefs-in-Assembly through formal resolution, stated their opposition to any legislative changes prior to consultation as per the government's legal obligations under the duty to consult.

A 320 page technical review of the results based regulatory review was submitted to the province on February 25, 2010. There was no response from the province on the FSIN's technical review. The concerns from First Nations and the FSIN were left unheeded and the process continued without regional consultation. The Code allows industry to monitor themselves in relation to environmental impacts and assessments, it allows industry to determine impacts on the environment, land and water and to decide what they report to government. Under the Code, government will not have the capacity to conduct on-site analysis, they will be in a position to merely review documents from behind a desk.

On January 11, 2012 the Minister of Environment announced the provincial government is undertaking a 3 day public review of the draft Code on January 30, February 2 and 3. According to the province it will provide guidance on the design of environmental systems and facilities, and it describes the acceptable results and standards for activities associated with development. The FSIN has numerous concerns regarding the results based regulatory framework and the development of the Code chapters. There are four pieces of legislation attached to the Code, the Environmental Management and Protection Act, the Forest Resource Management Act, the Environmental Assessment Act and the Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act. These four pieces of legislation were passed, but not proclaimed in the spring 2010 legislative session. Once the Code is complete, the legislation will apply. The province is targeting this calendar year for completion. The FSIN will take direction from the Lands and Resources Commission regarding next steps.

The Spirit and Intent of Treaty to First Nations Lands, Water and Resources
In addition to First Nation reserve lands, the First Nations assert jurisdiction over a range of other lands, which include, but are not limited to, those lands where they have continued to exercise their hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering rights, fishing stations, hay meadows, burial grounds and sacred lands, traditional meeting grounds, timber berths, and medicinal areas. Furthermore, the Treaties were meant to arrange a sharing of the lands to the depth of a plough with the newcomers.

The Treaties were entered into through a sovereign to sovereign relationship. At the time of Treaty, or any time thereafter, the First Nations did not consent to any transfer of the natural resources; therefore, the natural resources remain under First Nations jurisdiction and control. The natural resources include water, minerals, forests, wildlife and air.

Prior to colonization, Aboriginal customs (or customary law) governed the use of water in Canada and continues to exist in tandem with Canadian law.
• Treaty and Aboriginal rights, including certain customs and practices, became constitutionally protected in 1982. This means any rights, including water rights that were not extinguished before 1982 cannot be infringed upon by the government.
• The assertion of the provincial government's "administration and control" over the natural resources, via the NRTA, are subject to First Nations claims.
• The Treaty and Aboriginal rights to water must be accommodated to govern water uses and take priority over all other uses (after ecological needs are met).

Environmental Youth Council
The Environmental Youth Council (EYC) continues to plan for the youth culture camp in Waskesiu, SK (Paspewin Heritage Site) in July 2012. In addition, the EYC will provide recommendations to the FSIN Lands and Resources Commission on current issues and concerns. Three members of the EYC have been successfully selected to work on an internship with Canada World Youth. Sacha Favel from Little Pine First Nation has been selected to work in Tanzania, Scott Gould from Black Lake First Nation has been selected to work in Africa, and Bonnie Masuskapoe from Ahtahkakoop First Nation will work with Canada World Youth as a program supervisor. Enjoy your time, take care, and see you soon.

Specific Claims
Specific Claims met with its Claims Advisory Committee prior to the Christmas break. The Committee was established by the Lands and Resources Commission to provide recommendations on the FSIN Specific Claims work plan, which is submitted to the Department of Indian Affairs in order to receive funding for the research and development of claims. There were a number of applications from Saskatchewan First Nations for work on claims for 2012/13. The Advisory Committee recommended that all of these claims be put on the work plan. The Specific Claims Department will be submitting its work plan and budget this week.

FSIN specific claim staff also met with Sakimay First Nation this week regarding their Treaty Land Entitlement claim. The meeting was intended to assist Sakimay in moving forward on their TLE claim.

Additionally, staff met a number of First Nations with an possible interest in the Last Mountain Reserve 80A claim to discuss the response received from Canada on that claim. On Thursday January 12, 2012, FSIN staff participated in negotiations and discussions related to Makwa Sahgaiehcan specific claims.

Resolution Health Support Worker's (RHSW) Training December 5, 6, 2011
The training took place at the Saskatoon Inn to assist survivors who need support during the Independent Assessment Process (IAP). Participants received training on self care, care for survivors, the debriefing process, dealing with survivor complaints and team building.

Participants also discussed what needs to be improved in Resolution Health Support Workers support services.

Indian Residential School Secretariat Meetings December 13, 14, 2011
Issues experienced by some residential school survivors have led to conflicts with the law and incarceration. These inmates have not had easy access to information and services provided to other IRS Survivors, so the FSIN provided information, updates and support to the inmates incarcerated at the Prince Albert Men's Correctional and the Prince Albert Women's Pine Grove Correctional on December 13th and 14th, 2011.

95% of the inmates are either from foster care or have experienced effects of Residential Schools. These IRS Survivors deserve to be compensated along with any other IRS survivor.

Technical Advisory Group on Social Development - Meeting January 11, 2012
The Technical Advisory Group on Social Development (TAG) provides advice and recommendations to the Health and Social Development Commission.

TAG members incorporated a number of recommendations into the draft of the Framework on Child Welfare for Saskatchewan First Nations document and then recommended that it be approved with the changes.

The TAG also discussed the current status and next steps for implementing Jordan's Principle and received a presentation from the Province of Saskatchewan on impacts of policy adjustments and procedure changes resulting from amendments to the Children's Special Allowance Act.

National Indian Residential School Planning Meeting December 20, 2011
Vice Chief Lerat attended the planning meeting at the Saskatoon Inn. The event was attended by approximately 100 people. It was an opportunity to discuss what IRS Survivors want to see at the Saskatchewan National Event in June 2012. The feedback was excellent and will be brought forward at the next TRC Regional Working Group meeting on January 23, 2012. In preparation, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) are providing an opportunity for Residential School Survivors to share with the Commission and Canada the unique experience of children who attended Residential school. This opportunity is available for all Canadians, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal.

Joint Health Services Integration Fund/Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative Committee Meeting January 12, 2012
This Joint Committee is responsible for making recommendations on the Saskatchewan First Nations regional work plans for both the Health Services Integration Fund and the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative.

The 2011-12 work plan was recommended for approval based on four proposals received in response to the call for proposals sent out in November 2011.

Reminder: The deadline for Health Services Integration Fund proposals for the 2012-13 fiscal year is January 15, 2012. Proposals must be forwarded to Wendy Laxdal at Health Canada.

Upcoming Community IRS Hearings:
January 16, to 18, 2012
First Nations University of Canada, Regina, SK

January 20 to 22, 2012
Key First Nation, SK
Key Band Hall

January 31 to February 2, 2012
Prince Albert Indian & Métis Friendship Centre
Prince Albert, SK

Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP)
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is working with cross-sectoral intra-provincial partners on CLASP, which is a prevention of cancer and chronic disease initiative. The partners are working to increase awareness amongst First Nations about cancer and chronic diseases, and to promote healthy lifestyles as a way to reduce incidences of cancer and chronic disease. This partnership has completed a prevention of cancer and chronic disease training program called Health Empowerment for You.

Health Empowerment for You is a program that will help participants to better appreciate how physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health are all connected and also motivate participants to make healthy lifestyle changes. This training program contains cancer and chronic disease prevention materials that are designed specifically for a First Nations audience. It is anticipated that participants will start to act as community health ambassadors, sharing their knowledge with their families and friends. Health promotion is important to First Nations, as living a healthy lifestyle will reduce incidences of cancer and chronic disease.

Anti-gang Strategy

On January 6th, Vice Chief Cameron responded to media requests regarding the eviction of gang members in First Nation communities. First Nations take this matter very seriously. The Vice Chief supported the measures taken by Saskatchewan First Nations in addressing enforcement by banishment of persons conducting illegal activity in their respective communities.

He also emphasized the need to adopt an overall comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, intervention and reintegration of First Nation persons who have been involved in gang activity. He reminded the public that the Chiefs-in-Assembly approved the 2004 Alter-Natives to Non Violence Report as its policy position to address gang activity.

Indigenous Community Based Gathering: Supporting Nation Re-Building

The Women's, Treaty Governance and Justice Secretariats are teaming up to host a working session on implementing First Nations' Inherent Right to Self-Determination and Treaty. The working session will include topics on Citizenship, Matrimonial Real Property, Human Rights and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Each working session will be prefaced by an expert in the related field.

The Gathering will be held at the Saskatoon Inn on February 1 & 2, 2012. For more information, please contact Christine Clarke at 306-956-6909.

Treaty Governance Office
First Nations Engagement Forum on Citizenship: TGO hosted two final citizenship forums in urban areas. The Saskatoon forum was held on December 2nd at White Buffalo Youth Lodge, and was co-hosted with STC Urban First Nations Services. The Regina forum was held on December 3rd at the Gathering Place; and was co-hosted with Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services.
Federal Policy on Treaty Implementation: There was a meeting with Veda Weselake for an update on a federal policy on Treaty implementation, which is in the early stages of development. The previous policy was one of "let the courts decide the scope and implementation of the Treaty right in question". A policy framework will promote dialogue and mutual understandings of the spirit and intent of Treaty. TGO will continue to monitor developments and ensure that First Nations are consulted on such an important issue.
Exploratory process on Citizenship: There was a meeting with Effie Panousos, AAND Manager of the exploratory process on citizenship which was rolled out after Bill C-3 was passed in January of 2011. TGO will file its report at the end of December and will discuss nest steps with AAND as we progress toward First Nations' control of citizenship.
Chiefs Advisory Committee on Treaty Governance (CAC): The CAC met on December 9 to discuss ongoing issues of provincial involvement in Treaty implementation, development of a First Nations policy and process on Treaty implementation to interface with federal and provincial policy, Treaty protocol and relationship to the inherent right to self-determination and priorities for the work of the OTC in 2012-2013. A draft of a Treaty Implementation Commission was tabled with CAC for further study.
Treaty Governance in Education Project: TGO staff met on December 13 with the Treaty 4 Student Success Program and the Consultant for an update on the project which will outline options for a Treaty 4-wide governance model for First Nations control of education. A draft report will be delivered to the Board of T4SSP in January of 2012.
Treaty Implementation Session: On December 14, TGO discussed plans for a Treaty Implementation Planning Session on January 18 between Canada's and the FSIN's representatives at the Treaty Table, with Saskatchewan invited to attend. There will be a review of the AFN National Treaty Strategy as well as the Treaty Implementation Report Card which looks at the 26 recommendations from the 2006 OTC report 'Treaty implementation: Fulfilling the Covenant.
Sports, Culture, Youth and Recreation
The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will be hosted in Saskatoon, in May 7-11, 2012 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Talent ID camp will be held February 4th in Beardy's First Nation. The male and female team will look to defend their National Championships they won from 2011.
The FSIN SCYRB awarded 4 of the 2012 FSIN Championships at their board meeting on January 11th. BATC will host the Adult Soccer in Saskatoon in the summer of 2012. Cowessess First Nation will be hosting the Adult Softball Championships in Regina in the Summer of 2012. Onion Lake Cree Nation will host youth and adult archery championships. MLTC will host the FSIN Adult Hockey championships in Saskatoon on April 20-22, 2012. The FSIN SCYR Department will be hosting the FSIN Youth Hockey Championships and will be finalizing the dates in the coming weeks.
Invitations for bid for the remaining FSIN Championships where extended to January 19th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
The FSIN has extended the bid deadline for the 2014 First Nation Winter Games to January, 19th at 4:00 pm. For those First Nations or Tribal Councils that are interested they will be required to submit a letter of intent and complete bid package by the above mentioned deadline. Please contact the FSIN SCYR Dept. or visit the FSIN website for details.
Upcoming Meetings
January 17, 2012: Indian Justice Commission Meeting, Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon

January 18, 2012: Treaty Implementation Planning Meeting, Saskatoon
January 19, 2012: Treaty Table Work Plan for 2012-2013
January 11 and 12, 2012: Indian Child and Family Services Technical Advisory Group Saskatoon Best Western

January 12, 2012: Health System Integration Fund meeting, Saskatoon Travelodge

January 23, 2012: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Regional Working Group meeting Saskatoon

January 23, 2012: Residential School Meetings, PA Penitentiary Prince Albert, SK

January 24, 2012: Riverbend Men's Correctional, Prince Albert, SK

January 25, 2012: Willow Cree Healing Lodge, Beardys & Okemasis First Nation

February 2, 2012 Joint CPNP/FASD/MCH Meeting Heritage Inn, Saskatoon

February 2, 2012: Political Task Force on Child Welfare Travelodge, Saskatoon
February 1-2, 2012: Governance and Rights Conference, Saskatoon, co-sponsored by SFNWA, TGO and Justice.
February 1 & 2, 2012: Indigenous Community Based Gathering: Supporting Nation Re-building Saskatoon Inn

February 3, 2012: Health Commission Chiefs Meeting Saskatoon Travelodge

February 3, 2012: MCH Regional Advisory Committee Meeting Heritage Inn, Saskatoon

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