FSIN Executive Communique February 10, 2012
Provincial Government's Environmental CodeThe Ministry of Environment (MOE) is continuing to move the regulatory process forward through a Saskatchewan Environmental Code (the Code). There has been no formal consultation and accommodation process established for First Nations. The Code allows industry to determine impacts on the environment, land and water and to decide what they report to the provincial government. On February 2, 2012, the Lands and Resources Commission passed motion #12-005 entitled, "Opposition to the Environmental Code Resulting from the Ministry of Environment Results-Based Regulatory Framework". The Commission will seek support from the Chiefs-in-Assembly by way of resolution on February 16, 2012 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Lands and Resources Commission
The Lands and Resources Commission met on February 1 & 2, 2012 in Saskatoon.
The issues addressed included the following:
1) Canada World Youth - motion to support the establishment of a formal working relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding.
2) Treaty Land Entitlement - Issues to resolve TLE Implementation.
3) Specific Claims - participation in national discussions concerning Specific Claims issues, particularly with respect to appointments to the Tribunal, review of the reserve creation process, and other matters as per the Political Agreement.
4) Nuclear Waste Management Organization -on-going involvement of FSIN.
5) Duty to Consult -implementation of the Chiefs Permanent Forum.
6) Environmental Code-motion to oppose.
7) NRTA - motion passed to support the Treaty 4 Council of Chiefs Claim on the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, 1930.
8) Commercial Fishing - motion to support commercial fishing industry.
9) AIHP -motion to support negotiations for program.
10) Saturn Minerals presentation-established a formal partnership between Fishing Lake First Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation, Key First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation and Saturn Minerals. This partnership created a First Nations owned exploration company call Inowending. The Lands and Resources Commission acknowledges and appreciates the respect and dedication of Saturn Minerals in this unique venture. The Commission encourages all industry companies to establish this type of relationship with all First Nations in Saskatchewan.
Specific Claims
The Specific Claims chaired, facilitated and provided technical advice in negotiations on Treaty Land Entitlement for Ahtahkakoop, Mistawasis and Sakimay First Nations. Staff also met and provided technical advice to the following First Nations on their specific claims: Peepeekesis, Kinistin, Hatchet Lake, Witchekan Lake, and Star Blanket. Specific claim staff are also continuing to provide assistance in organizing a plenary session at the Treaty 4 Governance Centre.
Treaty Land Entitlement
The Lands & Resources Secretariat will be hosting another Treaty Land Entitlement Workshop on March 27-28, 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 & Métis 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. 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 FSIN Lands and Resources Commission met on February 2, 2012 in Saskatoon and passed a motion to support the continuation of the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program. In winding down the program, the Lands and Resources Secretariat is proposing an ATK – TEK Environmental Workshop in March 2012.
Treaty Governance Office (TGO)
TGO will be hosting a Chiefs' Forum on Treaty Implementation on March 6 and 7, 2012 at the
Dakota Dunes Casino, Whitecap Dakota Sioux First Nation. The objectives of this summit are:
1) to look at the history state of Treaty Implementation in Saskatchewan from the First Nations' perspectives
2) to develop a set of guidelines, based on the Treaty implementation principles, that can be used to address Treaty Implementation
• to clarify the role and responsibility of First Nations, Tribal Councils, Treaty areas and FSIN Commissions in Treaty implementation
• to clarify the role of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Treaty implementation
• to clarify our understanding of the Crown's role in Treaty Implementation, including the role of the Crown in right of Saskatchewan
3) to clarify the relationship between self-determination/self-government and Treaty implementation
4) to begin the development of a strategic plan for Treaty implementation in all sectors
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.
First Nations Early Child Circle (FNECC)
• The meeting was held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Items of discussion included: issues and concerns in the Early Learning and Childcare Centers
• The FNECC Working group developed a work plan to address the needs of the Early Learning Program for 2012-2013 fiscal year and presented it to First Nations and Inuit Health Children's Program Manager at meeting on January 27.
• The priorities in the 2012-2013 work plan focused on
o Capital needs for the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve Program,
o Training in area of Special Needs for both AHS and Daycare , resources for centers
o Training for front line workers in both AHS and Daycare to have the requirements to meet the standards and guidelines, policies and regulations for all Early Learning Facilities.
• The next FNECC working group meeting will be held on May 9 &10,2012 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Maternal Child Health (MCH) Working Group
The meeting was held in Saskatoon. MCH working group members gave updates of the successes and challenges over the past year in the area of MCH. At this meeting the MCH working group along with MCH program manager from FNIH developed a Work plan for 2012-2013 fiscal year, focusing on Supervisory Training, Tool to identify High Risk and Case Management, Home Visitors Training, and Resources for MCH program. The Next meeting will be held in June 2012.
Saskatchewan First Nation Veterans Association (SFNVA)
The SFNVA held an Executive meeting at FSIN. Items of discussion included:
• Planning for the next AGM on March 30, 2012 where elections for the SFNVA will take place.
• A strategy for assisting families access the Last Post Fund for Veterans lying in unmarked graves.
• Issuance of new photo membership cards.
• Amending existing SFNVA Governance Acts
• Submitting a proposal to the War of 1812 Fund for a Pow Wow to honour all past and present Veterans
• The development of a First Nations War Museum
Bold Eagle Management Committee
Vice Chief Lerat chaired the Bold Eagle Management committee which was held at the OTC Boardroom. Representatives from the Department of National Defense, Committee members and Bold Eagle coordinators attended the meeting. Bold Eagle 23 will take place in Wainwright, Alberta from July 9 to August17, 2012
Saskatchewan Environmental Health Officers (EHO)
On February 8 and 9, 2012 Saskatchewan Environmental Health Officers (EHO) representing Health Canada and Tribal Councils met at the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Categories of discussion included Water Monitoring, Onsite Wastewater, Housing, Environmental Health Information Services (EHIS) and Infection Prevention and Control.
Detail areas of discussion in Water Monitoring included Data Sharing between Health Canada and INAC with information from the First Nation Communities; Water Advisories; and a presentation by Saskatchewan Watershed Authority on their Community at Risk Program. In the area of Housing, Housing inspections and the upcoming CMHC Conference on Housing happening on February 28 and 29, 2012 in Saskatoon were on the agenda.
Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management Forum and Community Planning and Learning Event
On February 8-9, 2012 Emergency coordinators/PDAP coordinators from First Nations and Tribal Councils gathered at the Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management Forum and Community Planning and Learning Event at the Saskatoon Inn Hotel and Conference Centre.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Saskatchewan Region, Regional Emergency Management Coordinator in partnership with the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, Fire Commissioner's office worked together on this two day event that included presentations from various departments from the following:
- Emergency Preparedness- 9 Steps for Emergency Plan Development/ 72 Hours – Is Your Family Prepared?
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services;
- Emergency Social Services (ESS)and Red Cross;
- Healthy Communities - Psycho-Social Impacts of Emergencies/ Critical Incident Stress Management;
- Ministry of Health; Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety, and Policing;
- Ministry of Environment and Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA);
- Health Canada - Environmental Health Emergencies/ Post-Pandemic/ Continued Planning;
- Business Continuity Planning;
- Environment Canada - Environmental Emergencies (contamination spills);
- Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP)
- First Nations Experiences in Emergency Management and Lessons Learned presentations (Carry The Kettle First Nation- spring flooding and Hatchet Lake Denesuline- wildfires and airplane crash)
Concerns were raised following all presentations through a divergence of questions that represented specific situations on communities' disasters, evacuations, recoveries and responses, health and social services, and civil unrest including more focus on stress management needed. There was a widespread interest that sparked attention when PDAP presenters made time for questions and feedback. Common issues were echoed on the delayed process of compensation and repayments. The communities felt there was a lack of support from the province during the process of application and public information meetings were not well attended due to the lack of proper consultation and gaps in communication that may have contributed to the many deficiencies in this provincial recovery program. The slow process impacts many communities and brings serious concern on how this may affect their new fiscal year capital funding agreements.
PDAP representatives informed the participants they will take their calls from the designated communities that are in the program and have questions on their claims and compensation for losses to follow up on as soon as possible. The PDAP now employs 120 staff to directly work on the areas of claims.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Update
The MOU Steering Committee is in the final stages of approving the Saskatchewan First Nations Health & Wellness Plan (The Plan). The Plan was passed through the Chiefs in Assembly in July of 2011. The provincial Ministry of Health has approved the Plan and has been submitted to cabinet for approval. Health Canada is expected to have the Plan approved early this year.
Work on two project plans identified and approved by the MOU Steering Committee, Cultural Framework and Health Information, are underway and have both had their initial meetings. Both groups responsible for the project plans are scheduled to meet once more before the end of the fiscal year.
Indian Residential School Secretariat (IRS) Update
Onion Lake First Nation had an information session on IRS January 9, 2012. Chief Wallace Fox welcomed Team Sask to his community and wanted to make sure the membership are receiving the updated information on IRS. The presentations were live on air to accommodate the Onion Lake citizens who were unable to attend.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is hosting 12 Saskatchewan Regional Hearings throughout the province prior to the National Event in June 2012. The purpose of the community hearings are to inform the public about the Commission's work and statement gathering process and provide survivors with time to reflect and share their experiences in lead up to the National Event. If for some reason you cannot attend it is on TRC live web cast. Regina January 16 - 18, Key First Nation January 19 –22 and Prince Albert January 30 – February 2 Community Hearings were all well attended.
A representative from the Adjudication Secretariat Office, Health Canada and FSIN made presentations at Willow Cree Healing Lodge January 23, Saskatchewan Penitentiary January 23 & 24, Riverbend Correctional January 25 & 26. The incarcerated First Nation men were in definite need of support and assistance in the IAP process. The presentations went well.
Resolution Health Support Worker (RSHW) meetings were held at the Saskatoon Inn on February 6, 7, 2012. RSHW's had a great opportunity to discuss what is needed for the National Event as well brain storm diffusing and debriefing. Each and every one of the RHSW and Elders are excellent in what they provide to survivors.
Upcoming IRS Meetings:
February 21, 2012: Saskatoon Correctional Centre
February 22, 2012: Saskatoon Psychiatric Centre
March 5, 2012: Okimaw Ochi Healing Lodge
March 6, 2012: Regina Provincial Correctional Centre
First Nations Child Welfare Framework Project Update
FSIN has commenced a special project to develop a First Nations Child Welfare Framework as per resolution # 1759. Working under the Health and Social Secretariat, the Director of the Child Welfare Framework, along with and a Researcher/Analyst, has commenced the necessary steps in formulating a framework document. The project team works closely with a technical committee made up of several ICFS Directors from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and the project team communicates directly with TAG regarding the drafting of the framework document. In addition to striking a working committee, a Chief's Political Task Force on Child Welfare was struck by the Health and Social Development Commission chiefs in November 2011.
The Chiefs Political Task Force on Child Welfare is comprised of appointees from the Health and Social Development, Justice, Education and Women's Commissions along with elder, youth, urban and senate representation. The political task force has met in December and January, respectively, and is scheduled to meet again in the coming weeks to continue discussing matters related to the First Nations Child Welfare Framework.
The FSIN hosted a First Nations Child Welfare Forum on November 16 and 17, 2011. The forum was attended by political leaders involved with ICFS, along with board members from ICFS agencies, ICFS executives, ICFS staff and invited experts. Information gathered at the forum has informed the First Nations Child and Youth Agenda which has recently been passed by the Chiefs Political Task Force and the Health and Social Development Commission. The First Nations Child and Youth Agenda has been drafted to captured the First Nations position on broad based and interconnected issues relating to child welfare matters in various sectors including justice, education, health, among others.
For further information or inquires on the First Nations Child Welfare Framework please contact the Director at 956-1011.
Did You Know...
European explorers are credited with the "discovery" of Echinacea, the purple coneflower known for it's immune-strengthening properties especially in fighting the common cold, in the 1800's; however, First Nations had already discovered and used the plant for medicinal purposes at least hundreds of years before Europeans encountered the plant.
The National Education Panel Report
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation's Education and Training Secretariat issued a news release in response to the National Education Panel Report. The FSIN had no choice but to give
the AFN/INAC report titled, Nurturing the Learning Spirit of First Nations Students, a failing
grade. The AFN does not speak on behalf of the FSIN regarding education. Saskatchewan First
Nation educators have often stated that we do not need a $2 Million report to tell us the
obvious. Funding for First Nations education needs to increase in order to allow for successful
"First Nations Control of First Nations Education."
The INAC/AFN National Panel report provides five recommendations. Only one
recommendation addresses a concern of the Chiefs of Saskatchewan.
The number one issue for First Nations education is inadequate and unpredictable funding. The
most recent evidence of INAC's chronic underfunding is reflected by INAC's response to the new
Saskatchewan teacher salary grid increase. 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.
The other recommendations simply do not address the issues in First Nations education.
Legislation of a National First Nations Education Act will impact the Treaty Right to education
and according to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, requires
a free, prior and informed consent to address inherent and treaty rights". This requires
consultation between individual First Nations and the Government of Canada.
The National Commission for First Nations Education will create a large and unneeded
bureaucracy that will absorb resources much needed by schools at the community level.
Provincial education systems are not governed by a national body; they are stand-alone
systems. First Nations Education Organizations (FNEO) already exist "to provide support and
services for First Nation schools and First Nations Students". They need to be better supported
through funding and resources not replaced or controlled nationally.
INAC is ready to implement a $27 Million accountability and reporting framework, even though
First Nations schools are already accountable through numerous reports and audits each year.
The new Education Information System (EIS) still needs strong input from First Nations
educators.
Staff Farewells
Vice Chief Simon Bird would like to thank Courage Bear and Brenda Merasty for all the hard work and dedication they have brought to their work and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Lastly, Vice Chief would like to welcome Joe Daniels as the incoming Director for Sports and Recreation.
Upcoming Meetings
February 13, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Office of Disabilities Meeting - DISC (Disability Income Support Coalition), Regina
February 13 to 17, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Healthy Empowerment for You (HEY) Training, Saskatoon and Regina
February 14, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Office of Disabilities Meeting - PIAT (Program Implementation Advisory Team), Regina
February 15, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) Steering Committee, Brandon, Manitoba
February 15 & 16, 2012: FSIN Winter Legislative Assembly, Dakota Dunes Casino, Whitecap Dakota First Nation
February 15, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) Steering Committee, Brandon, Manitoba
February 16, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Child Welfare Focus Group, Saskatoon
February 21-23, 2012: AFN National Justice Conference, Vancouver
February 20 to 24, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Healthy Empowerment for You (HEY) Training, Saskatoon and Regina
February 28 and 29, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Senior Technical Advisory Group Meeting (STAG), Saskatoon
March 8 and 9, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; MOU Steering Committee, Regina
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
March 21, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Health Information Working Group, Saskatoon.
March 21 and 22, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Chiefs Task Force on Child Welfare Framework, Elk Ridge
March 28, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; Commission Chiefs Meeting, Little Pine First Nation
March 29 and 30, 2012: Culturally Responsive Project Advisory Team, Fort Qu'Appelle
March 29 and 30, 2012: Cultural Framework Group, Fort Qu'Appelle
March 30, 2012: Saskatchewan First Veterans Assembly and Election, 9:00 a.m. White Buffalo Youth Centre, Saskatoon
June 21 – 24, 2012: Health and Social Development Secretariat; TRC Saskatchewan National Event, Saskatoon