FSIN Executive Communique January 27, 2012

Teacher Salary Increases
INAC has announced the new Band School Teacher Salary Funding in response to the new provincial teacher salary increases. The First Nation Directors of Education are concerned that the increase put forward by INAC is approximately one third of the funds needed to match the provincial teacher salary increases, never mind covering any retroactive pay. The end result is that First Nations will be left with higher deficits in education and this will increase the difficulty for First Nations to retain experienced teachers. For example under the new provincial teacher salary increase, one First Nation will require an additional $71,000.00 to meet the new provincial grid while INAC is offering $21,000.00. This results in a $50,000.00 shortfall.
Matrimonial Real Property
In partnership with the Justice Secretariat and the Treaty Governance Secretariat, the SFNWC will be co-hosting The Indigenous Community Based Gathering scheduled for Feb. 1 &2, 2012 at the Saskatoon Inn. There will be various topics of discussion, but some of the mandates of the Women's Commission are Matrimonial Real Property legislation. We will provide a sample copy of Matrimonial Property Model as a resource for First Nations beginning or currently in the process of codifying their approach to Matrimonial Real Property. In addition, other items of discussion will be First Nations Human Rights, First Nation citizenship and Community Based Alternative Dispute Resolution. We encourage Leadership, Citizenship and Membership Officers, Directors, Human Resource, Justice, Housing and Education Personnel and Governance Officers to attend.
Dr. Lillian Dyck, Liberal Senator, who has been instrumental in providing support to the Women's Commission in dealing with this issue at the Federal level will be presenting. She will be doing a segment on, "How Parliament Can Support First Nation Interest", and moving forward on First Nation jurisdiction. She will also discuss how Members' of Parliament & Senators, as well as Parliamentary processes can support First Nation interest of achieving self-governance.
To pre-register contact Christine Clark @ 306-956-6909
Post-Secondary Education
The students at the First Nations University of Canada and University of Regina will be participating in a National Student Awareness Initiative and will be hosting a National Day of Action rally on Feb 01. 2012. The rally is scheduled from noon to 2:00pm at the University of Regina. Speakers such as Cadmus Delorme, the First Nations Student Association President, will advocate for the removal of the 2% funding cap on Post-Secondary Student Support Program. Insufficient funding is blamed for 10,000 Post-secondary students across Canada being denied the Treaty Right to education. University of Regina Student Union President Kent Peterson will advocate for a tuition freeze.
Vice Chief Bird is supportive of the students raising the issues as well demonstrating there is a wide spread concern on the underfunding of First Nations students.
First Nations Crown Gathering
Chief Marie-Anne Daywalker, Chief Perry Bellegarde, Chief Marcel Head and Chief Wallace Fox attended the First Nations-Crown Gathering and were chosen by the Chiefs of Saskatchewan in attendance to make a 10 minute presentation on behalf of Saskatchewan Chiefs. At the meeting, the Chiefs tabled a copy of the Independent report entitled "Report on Priority Actions in View of Improving First Nations Education" with Prime Minister Steven Harper. The Prime Minister spoke neutrally and did not directly address the concerns presented by the delegation during his 2 minute response.
On January 23rd, 2012 The AFN provided in the Chief's meeting package a document they unilaterally developed entitled "2012 First Nations Plan: Honouring our Past, Affirming our Rights Seizing our Future".
Inside the document the AFN proceeded to outline a 5 year plan which included initiatives in the areas of Educational Governance, Immediate Measures, First Nations Learning Systems, Partnerships and Education Infrastructure. Some of the goals in these areas include;
1. Joint Crown – First Nations process to develop legislation.
2. Development of long-term funding mechanisms, with a statutory base.
3. Increase support for PSE, culture and language, curriculum.
4. Development of education systems.
5. Development of intergovernmental agreements.
6. Development of a national public education strategy.
7. Financial support for renovations of existing education institutions, safe and healthy schools.
What continues to be of grave concern is that the AFN is unilaterally advancing an agenda that is not based on First Nations' Inherent and Treaty Right to Education. It is not clear whether the Prime Minister is prepared to endorse the AFN's 5 year strategic plan.
Upon quick analysis of the Prime Minister's speech and the gathering of Chief's comments, the following issues and reflections are a cause for concern;
• The Prime Minister only made one mention of treaties; it was to refer to historic treaties. There was no mention of the implementation of the treaty relationship as a means to go forward
• The Federal Government is continuing its agenda in implementing the white paper policy by ignoring their fiduciary responsibilities and offloading Indians over to the provinces through tri-partite agreement arrangements, land use policies, membership policies, water legislation and the future development of the Education legislation.
• The money mentioned "a billion" dollars is designed to give the Canadian public the impression that there is massive spending when in reality there has been a cap on funding for over 15 years. There was no mention of lifting the cap or of future budget allocations to relieve the crisis situations in regards to health, housing and education.
• The Prime Minister stated that the government is planning to incrementally change the Indian Act by introducing more legislation one piece at a time, which is in complete violation of the treaties and the constitution of Canada.
• The government is targeting individuals and using the agreements to legally move First Nations away from the collective rights.
• The AFN-Canada Action plan is the catalyst for Federal Government changes to move forward. What is most disturbing is that the majority of Chiefs do not know about this Action plan.
• The planned phase out of the Indian Act without protection of the "reserved" lands is a problem.
• There are concerns that the AFN is unilaterally moving forward and speaking for Chiefs, one example among many of this unilateralism was the joint press release from AFN and Canada, which was not vetted with the Chiefs
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 to 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)
The APECT project is continuing into its final year. The project is gathering information on what communities and leaders think a First Nations Education structure could look like. Feedback will be collected at 5 regional meetings with high level Education stakeholders to finalize the development of the APECT Model. Vice Chief Simon Bird invites the Chiefs, Education Portfolio Holders and their education staff's to attend the meetings and share their expertise.
The APECT First Nations Education Model is to be completed in 2012 and intends to satisfy the collective requirements of the 74 First Nations and independent First Nations. The APECT First Nations Education model will also be flexible enough for each First Nation and community to meet their unique cultural and language needs.

Provincial Government's Environmental Code
On January 11, 2012, Saskatchewan Environment Minister Dustin Duncan announced a new "Environmental Code" that will regulate the natural resource development industry in Saskatchewan. The 19 chapters of the Code cover a wide variety of topics regarding air, water, land, natural resources and the waste from industrial development. In addition to the Code, the provincial government introduced amendments to the Environmental Management and Protection Act, the Forest Resources Management Act, and the Environmental Assessment Act and created new legislation, the Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act to support the 'results-based regulatory" framework of the Code. There are a number of concerns revolving around the process to introduce the regulatory changes including the lack of consultation and the unilateral changes to the way industry is regulated and monitored.

On October 28, 2009, the Chiefs-in-Assembly passed Resolution #1680 "Ministry of Environment Results-Based Regulatory Framework" that called upon the provincial government to "refrain from introducing legislative amendments into the legislature, or to proceed with any policy changes, prior to developing and undertaking legally and constitutionally required consultation processes" with the First Nations in Saskatchewan. There has been no First Nations consultation process established from the Ministry of Environment to undertake consultations with First Nations regarding the decision to adopt this results-based regulatory framework, or regarding the proposed legislative amendments to implement this approach, all of which will impact First Nations Treaty rights to hunt, fish, trap and gather. Rather than entering into a meaningful consultation process, by providing the required resources to the First Nations to carefully examine and provide informed comment to the proposed Code and amendments, the provincial government has set aside three afternoons next week, on January 30, February 2 and 3 for "First Nation and Metis Code Information Sessions" to allow for discussion and questions. This approach does not respect the Supreme Court of Canada's clear declarations on what is required for consultation and accommodation.

Treaty Right to Hunt, Fish, Trap and Gather
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, 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).

Saskatchewan First Nation Women's Institute
The Saskatchewan First Nations Women Commission have determined that the current circumstances and conditions facing First Nations Women are unacceptable and require immediate policy, program and institutional action by Federal, Province, and First Nations governments. The First Nations Women Commission has further determined that the lead role in addressing the issues and challenges facing First Nations Women in Saskatchewan must be assumed by an organization which understands those issues, can identify the potential remedies and solutions, and can develop and initiate the program and policy actions plan to address them.
The First Nation Women's Commission is currently leveraging sustainability by seeking the right corporate partners to assist with our long term vision. Research studies continue to show the alarming socio-economic impacts that affect our First Nation Women and children. Time and time again, we continue to hear and bear witness as First Nations people make headlines pertaining to the over representation of First Nations Children in Care, the gang activity in urban/rural areas. It is time to demand an immediate call for action. The Saskatchewan First Nations' Women Commission outlines a vision for change entitled, "A Way Forward" that presents a significant opportunity for both government and industry to be involved. We will continue to move forward on a shared vision that affirms and advances First Nations rights in ways that will improve the quality of life that strengthen our people, our families and communities.
First Nation HIV/AIDS Strategy
The Saskatchewan First Nation Women's Commission has developed partnership with areas in Saskatchewan, because of the limited funding we receive from Health Canada, we have developed partnership to three First Nation communities; Northern, Central and Southern First Nation communities with the emphasis on youth. We are co-hosting the youth engagement strategy sessions to educate and create awareness to our First Nations youth. We need to utilize our greatest resource, our youth. We hope to develop the First Nation Youth Engagement Strategy so we can request for additional funding and allow for further negotiations. Approximately, 45 million dollars was directed to the Province of Saskatchewan's HIV/AIDS Strategy. The funding is identified in various capacities such as Medical Professionals, resources, material, surveillance, testing,. The Saskatchewan First Nation Women's commission receive $50,000.00 per year to educate, create awareness, reduce the rapid increase of HIV and to improve the quality of life for HIV positive for people living with AIDS, testing, surveillance, and so forth. We will work together and ensure that our issues and concerns are brought forward and are included in the consultation process when it comes to our First Nation people, and communities. We are aware of the HIV/AIDS concerns and issues at the community level and as numbers increase, funding is decreasing.
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 staff continues to provide support to TATC, Fishing Lake and Beardy's & Okemasis First Nations regarding their involvement in potash developments within their traditional/ancestral territories. This includes assisting in organizing a Potash Plenary Session for February 20 & 21, 2012, at the Treaty 4 Governance Centre in Fort Qu'Appelle. The session is being spearheaded by Chief Darin Poorman of the Kawacatoose First Nation. Invitations to attend have been extended to the First Nations located within the potash belt, as well as to representatives from the potash industry and the provincial and federal government to provide presentations. Once the agenda for the Plenary Session is finalized, a follow up information package will be sent out to the First Nations.

Additionally, staff assisted at the Treaty 4 Council of Chiefs meeting on January 18, attended a meeting at the Pasqua First Nation related to the Band's discussions with Vale Potash on January 17. On January 25, staff provided technical support to Vice Chief Cameron in his meeting with the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation and provincial and federal departments, as well as assisted at a forum at the Star Blanket Cree Nation to record Elders' oral history.

Treaty Land Entitlement
The Lands & Resources Secretariat will be hosting another Treaty Land Entitlement Workshop on March 27th & 28th, 2012 in Saskatoon.

In our previous workshops the First Nations identified a need for getting information, advice and assistance on land and mineral selections. Therefore, the workshop will be focused mainly on two issues:
1) Hands-on instruction on how to use and gather the information from the provincial government's Information Services Corporation; and
2) Examples of the best practices on how a First Nation may identify, select and acquire both Crown and private lands to satisfy their land claim agreements.

The presenters at this workshop will be technicians from the Information Services Corporation and from the First Nations that have been successful in acquiring desirable lands. Representatives from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and from the provincial government's First Nations & Metis Relations (FNMR) will also be present to provide additional support and information.

Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (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. Substantial cuts to the funding occurred last fiscal year. To discontinue the AIHP program contradicts DFO's mandate to work towards sustainable ecosystems and will be an impediment to carrying out meaningful consultation following proper First Nation protocols. Without funding, it will result in a significant loss of technical capacity and youth opportunity for FSIN and the 74 First Nations communities. The following initiatives are also impacted by the funding cuts, Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK), First Nation Land Use & Occupancy Studies, Aboriginal Funding for Species at Risk (AFSAR), Protocol on Shared Ancestral Territories, Sacred (archaeological, heritage) site protection, First Nation Legislation for Sacred Site Protection, Burial Sites in the Provincial Parks and on Crown land, and First Nations Environmental Protection Advocacy. The FSIN will provide a full update to the Lands and Resources Commission at their meeting next week.

Panorama Information Governance Working Group Tele Conference
The Information Governance Working Group (IGWG) is a sub-group of the Panorama Steering Committee for FNDPS. The CMWG has 14 members representing First Nations, FSIN, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Saskatchewan. The IGWG group meets through teleconference bi-weekly.
The IGWG held a meeting via teleconference on January 5, 2011. The agenda for this meeting included the discussion of current use of aggregate reporting in First Nations Public Health; and Panorama privacy impact assessments. 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.

National First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program
The National First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program Selection Committee meetings occurred in Vancouver at the Westin Bayshore on January 16th, 17th and 18th, 2012. The National First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program (NFNECP)/Drinking Water Quality Program (DWQP) Selection Committee members comprise of regional PTOs. FSIN Health and Social Development Secretariat provides SK representation to the selection committee seat.

Day one – January 16th was specifically for the NFNECP/DWQP Selection Committee members to discuss the report on results of the Mandatory Review of 2012-2013 proposals. First Nations University of Canada, Health Canada and the AFN joined the meeting the following day.

Day two – January 17th agenda was a full day for the NFNECP. The NFNECP received 20 proposals. The top 6 proposals (2 proposals tied scores) are pending further Science Peer reviews. The Selection Committee made a Motion of recommendation to the Steering Committee to fund all six submissions. The final decisions by the Steering Committee will be based in accordance to the financial envelope and availability of funding. Once these scores are tallied and presented to the Steering committee the selection committee will be notified with the end results and the successful applicants will be notified by the First Nations University of Canada and Health Canada. There were 2 proposals from Saskatchewan; one from Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation and Yellow Quill First Nation and the second submission was from Clearwater River Denesuline Nation and Buffalo River Denesuline Nation.

Day three – January 18th was a full day for the DWQP. The DWQP received 20 proposals and the top 5 scored proposals were selected by the Selection Committee and recommended by motion to the Steering Committee. There were no applicants from Saskatchewan.

Non Insured Health Benefits
The quarterly Non Insured Health Benefits National working group met for 2 days in Vancouver. The meeting is hosted by the Assembly of First Nations and each province has a representative on the committee.

The current issues addressed at this meeting were the following:
Orthodontics – the AFN is currently working on a policy review and are working with NIHB to address the qualifying criteria. There have been a high percentage of denials and the criteria for approval have become almost impossible to surpass. Children are being denied braces and with the denial comes other issues such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence which ultimately negatively affects the child's health and well-being.

Methadone – the abuse of methadone has been quite an issue in several First Nation communities across the country. Non Insured Health Benefits pays for the methadone for the First Nation clients and the drug is on the rise. Methadone is a drug which is to assist individuals in living a normal life. With any drug there should be a plan established to assist individuals in being weaned off and becoming eventually drug free. The Non Insured Health Benefits program has no support services in place such as mental health or a treatment plan for these patients. Follow up is being done with the College of Physicians and Surgeons as they are the governing body of the Methadone delivery.

Data Base – The AFN in cooperation with the national committee is working on establishing a data base to capture benefit denials and health care complaints. We have had a data base in Saskatchewan (FSIN Navigator) since 2008 and this model will be utilized for other provinces. The information that we collect will allow us to bring forward statistics and assist us in advocating for our patients. The data base should be ready for implementation in the spring of 2012.

Lodge – The Saskatoon Tribal Council has opened up a medical lodge in the city of Saskatoon, located at 1605 Victoria Avenue. The Victoria Lodge is owned and operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and offers a "home away from home" environment for patients when coming to Saskatoon to seek medical attention. The lodge offers elder support and is staffed by professional and caring people. The lodge will offer a resource library of support and guidance for patients who are having issues with navigating the health care system. The lodge is now a recognized accommodation provider by the Non Insured health benefits program and is available for patient intake. The contact number for the lodge is (306) 244-0241 and the coordinator is Tina Thomas.

Indian Residential School Secretariat (IRS) Update
The FSIN IRS Secretariat continues to attend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gatherings and assist Saskatchewan Residential School Survivors. Here is the schedule of events they attended:

Jan 16-18: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Community Hearing/Sharing the Truth Regina @ FNUC. Approximately 60-100 participants, public, students, survivors, church reps. /day

Jan 20-22: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Community Hearing/Sharing the Truth Key First Nation. Approximately 50-60 participants, public, students, survivors, church reps. /day

Jan 23: TRC Regional Working Group mtg @ TRC Boardroom. Planning is underway for National Event. Sub committees were created.... Logistic & Planning sub committee and Culture & Planning sub committee.

Jan 23: Willow Cree Healing Lodge

Jan 24: PA Penitentiary inmates

Jan 25: PA Riverbend Men's Correctional Centre

Upcoming IRS Meetings:

TRC Community Hearing:
*Prince Albert, Jan 31-Feb 2
*Pelican Narrows Feb 13 & 14
*Stoney Rapids Feb 16 & 17

IRS Youth Conference, *Yorkton Feb 8 & 9

IRS Sessions:
*Saskatoon Correctional Centre, February 21
*Saskatoon Psychiatric Centre, Feb 22

Bold Eagle
Bold Eagle Is currently recruiting for its 23rd year of operation, the deadline to apply is April 30, 2012.

To apply for Bold Eagle (BE):
• Must be 17 years of age or older on enrolment.
Note1: Can apply at age 16 provided you will turn 17 prior to the BE enrolment date.
Note2: Can apply and enrol at age 16 provided you are attending school full-time.
• Grade 10 or higher education completed.
• Canadian citizen and self-declare as Aboriginal.
• Reside in western Canada or north-western Ontario.

Application forms are available from FSIN, the BE website or from the nearest Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre

The Bold Eagle Coordinator is presently arranging presentations at Career Fairs, FN Schools and other locations. If your FN would like a presentation, please contact the FSIN Office.

Saskatchewan First Nation Veterans Association (SFNVA)
The SFNVA Annual General Assembly took place on November 28, 2011 at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon. A temporary new membership card was issued to current members. The New SFNVA Membership card will have a photo similar to Saskatchewan Drivers' Licences and will begin being issued at the March 30, 2012 SFNVA Election Assembly

On January 11 and 12, 2012, the SFNVA held a Governance Workshop at the FSIN Main Office. They went through all of the SFNVA Governance Acts and proposed changes. These recommendations will be presented to the SFNVA membership at a future SFNVA General Assembly.

The SFNVA continue to assist families in obtaining Grave Markers from the Last Post Fund for FN Veterans lying in unmarked graves. This past year they succeeded in 5 headstones being placed at the James Smith First Nation. If you know of a Veteran lying in an unmarked grave, please contact the SFNVA office at 956 1021 and they will be happy to assist you.

Panorama Change Management Working Group
The Change Management Working Group (CMWG) is a sub-group of the Panorama Steering Committee for First Nations Deployment of Panorama in Saskatchewan (FNDPS). Panorama is the future Public Health surveillance software system scheduled to start implementation within Saskatchewan in 2013. The CMWG meets weekly via teleconference to discuss the business perspective of Saskatchewan's future implementation of Panorama. The CMWG has 12 members representing First Nations including FSIN, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Saskatchewan. Topics of discussion include the current and future state of Public Health delivery on First Nations; configuration of Panorama; communications; and readiness.

National e-Health Advisory Committee
The National e-Health Advisory Committee (NeHAC) is an AFN working group made up of First Nations e-Health coordinators and technical staff with representation from each province and territory. NeHAC met via videoconference on January 12, 2012. The agenda included information about Phase 2 of the National First Nations e-Health evaluation; the dissolution of Aboriginal Telehealth Knowledge Circle (ATKC); the creation of a data-sharing agreement template and guidelines; and discussion about the AFN eHealth Strategy Framework currently in development.

Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP)
"Health Empowerment for You" Train the Trainer training has started. This training program is a holistic training program designed to get First Nations people talking about cancer and chronic disease. The dates are as follows:
February 13 to 17, 2012 – Health Empowerment for You Training in Regina, and Saskatoon
February 20 to 24, 2012 – Health Empowerment for You Training in Regina and Saskatoon

Treaty Governance Office
TGO hosted a working session on Treaty Implementation on January 18 in Saskatoon. Representatives from the FSIN Secretariats, AANDC and FNMR were in attendance. This first meeting focussed on the 26 recommendations from the OTC report, Treaty Implementation: Fulfilling the Covenant. There was discussion on the recommendations, strategic planning for Treaty implementation and follow-up actions to keep the momentum going forward. The Secretariats would include Treaty implementation as part of their planning sessions for 2012-2013, as each Commission has the mandate of identifying the scope of the Treaty right in their sector of responsibility and to take steps to implement Treaty in that sector.
TGO met with Canada on January 19 regarding the OTC Work Plan for 2012-2013. TGO emphasized the need to focus on the Treaty Table and Treaty implementation. TGO recommended that work continue on the HFTG, Education and Health Working Groups as well as adding Lands and Resources, pending Commission and Legislative Assembly direction.
TGO met with the Treaty 4 Student Success Program and a Consultant on the research project dealing with Governance in Education for the Treaty 4 Government. The report will be out by February 15, to be shared with the Board of the T4SSP and the Treaty Table.
Indian Justice Commission

On January 17th, the Justice Commission met to deliberate on the First Nations agenda that would be presented at the Crown First Nations Gathering that was scheduled for January 24, 2012. The Chiefs agreed that the most important result would be the Prime Minister's Office commitment to further dialogue on the Inherent and Treaty agenda.

Updates were provided by the Indigenous Gaming Regulators Office, Legal Counsel for the First Nation Policing file, and the Correctional Services Policy Office. The proposed amendments of the Correctional Services Act were reviewed by the Commission and discussion followed. The First Nation Appeals Tribunal Act was also reviewed and amendments were completed for second reading at the February Legislative Assembly.

Meeting With The Saskatchewan Chiefs Of Police

On January 27th, Vice Chief Cameron met with the Saskatchewan Chiefs of Police to discuss mutual issues in the major cities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina. This forum will provide ongoing progress reports to the Justice Commission.

Upcoming Meetings

January 28, 2012: Stanley Mission Poker Rally, Stanley Mission, SK

January 30 & 31, 2012: First Nations Addictions & Rehabilitation Fund (FNARF) Meeting, Saskatoon Travelodge

January 31 & February 1, 2012: National e-Health Advisory Committee Meeting, Vancouver, BC.

February 1, 2012: Lands and Resources Commission Action Planning Session, Saskatoon Inn

February 2, 2012: Lands and Resources Commission Meeting, Saskatoon Inn

February 2, 2012: Child Welfare Political Task Force, Saskatoon Best Western

February 1-2, 2012: Indigenous Community-Based Gathering, Saskatoon Inn
February 3, 2012: Health and Social Development Chiefs Commission Meeting, Saskatoon Best Western

February 7, 2012: Treasury Board, Saskatoon Best Western

February 15, 2012: Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) Steering Committee, Brandon, Manitoba

February 21-23, 2012: AFN National Justice Conference, Vancouver
February 29-29, 2012: Treaty Conference (post First Nation/Crown Gathering), Saskatoon (Tentative)
March 8, 2012: Chiefs Advisory Committee on Governance, Saskatoon
March 13, 2012: Treaty Table, Saskatoon
March 14, 2012: Senior Administrator's Committee to the OTC, Saskatoon