FSIN Executive Communique August 6, 2010
The FSIN is embarking on a new communication strategy. Part of this plan includes, the FSIN executive keeping the 74 First Nations in the province informed and updated on the important treaty issues.
Office of the Chief- Guy Lonechild
Selection Committee Ratified, Thursday, August 5, 2010
This week, we moved one step closer to establishing a new and permanent Board of Governors at First Nations University of Canada.
The FSIN Education and Training Commission passed a motion on Thursday, August 5, 2010, ratifying the Selection Committee for First Nations University of Canada.
The members are:
• Mr. Harry Cook
• Dr. J.W. George Ivany
• Dr. Emőke J.E. Szathmáry
• Dr. Bonita Beatty (alternate)
All of the above members satisfied strict criteria contained in the First Nations University of Canada Act, passed on June 9, 2010 by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. This criteria included stipulations that the members consist of: one academic with curriculum and program development experience; one individual with university administration experience; and one community advocate.
The Chiefs-in-Assembly made it clear in the legislation that no current politically elected or appointed representatives could serve on the committee.
In addition, all members were to have a minimum of five years demonstrable successful board experience; and be knowledgeable about Indigenous cultures, languages and heritage.
Although all the members have experience working with First Nations, the Education and Training Commission added an amendment to their resolution, stipulating that the selection committee be strongly urged to attend a Sweatlodge ceremony, since our traditional knowledge and spiritual beliefs underpin our actions as First Nations.
The selection committee expects to have its work completed by September 15, 2010.
As was approved by the Chiefs-in-Assembly, the Selection Committee will present the list of successful board candidates to the Joint Executive Council/Indian Government Commission for ratification, and notice will be provided to the Chiefs-in-Assembly on the board membership.
I would like to thank the Chiefs-in-Assembly and the Education and Training Commission for facilitating the progress that has been made to date in restoring our First Nations University of Canada.
New INAC Minister Announced
The Prime Minister shuffled his cabinet today, and as a result, we have been dealt a new INAC Minister, Mr. John Duncan.
It was a relatively minor shuffle, involving only three conservative MPs, which came about because the Government House Leader was retiring, and had to be replaced. When the PM plucked John Baird to be his new house leader, a small domino effect occurred, with former INAC Minister Chuck Strahl being chosen to fill Baird’s former post as transport, infrastructure and communities minister.
Rather than re-assigning an existing Cabinet Minister, the PM opted to pull long-time backbencher, John Duncan, into his cabinet.
Duncan is an MP for Vancouver Island North, and has 24 First Nations in his riding. He was first elected to the House of Commons representing the Reform party in 1993 and has served for 14 years in Parliament. He was defeated in the 2006 election, but re-elected to represent his current riding for the Conservative party in 2008.
The 62-year-old Duncan was born in Winnipeg, but was raised in British Columbia. He attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a B.Sc. F from their Faculty of Forestry in 1972.
Prior to being appointed to the Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs, Duncan was Parliamentary Secretary to former Minister Strahl. In this role, Duncan often acted as Strahl’s designate, answering questions and tabling reports on behalf of the minister when he was unable to be present in the House of Commons. As well, Duncan appeared at various Aboriginal events when Strahl was unable to attend.
Chief Lonechild is encouraged by the fact that Duncan brings some experience working with First Nations on policy development to his new position.
As parliamentary secretary, Duncan made a number of comments in the House of Commons regarding First Nations. For your information, I have provided some of his statements:
Aboriginal Affairs, December 8, 2009
We know there is still much work to be done. We look forward to building on the successes we have made to date.
First Nations University of Canada
March 26th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to make sure the First Nations University students have the same educational opportunities as other Canadians. That is our priority. We want to make sure they finish their school year, and we will continue to work with people who are working hard to make this happen.
We are fully engaged.
On Education, June 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government understands the importance of education, which is why we have taken action since coming to office to improve the outcomes for aboriginal students.
UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, June 17, 2010
Our government supports the principles behind the declaration (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and believes it should be endorsed as an aspirational document. We have promised to endorse the declaration and will do so. We are committed to a process of reconciliation in our relationship with aboriginal people in Canada, and I think we saw that very clearly. Once again, it was demonstrated this week in Winnipeg.
This government continues to demonstrate leadership by advancing the cause of indigenous rights around the world and creating opportunities for a better future for aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Indian Residential Schools, March 30, 2010
We all recognize that many former students and their families suffered terribly during this regrettable phase of our history. We must also recognize that Indian residential schools, effectively, diminished all of us.
[…]
Of course, no amount of money can ever hope to fully compensate for the damage caused by Indian residential schools. All we can do is hope that these funds enable individuals to move forward with their lives and achieve a sense of peace, and that reconciliation brings aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians a little closer together.
Remember, there is no precedent for such large-scale reconciliation. As citizens of Canada, we must find our own way, and we have.
Office of the 1st Vice Chief- Morley Watson
Tobacco Tax Exemptions
My office has been working along with the legal team to resolve the tobacco tax exemption policies that have been implemented by the Province and have made various presentations to the Chiefs and Province on action to be taken. The “scripts” and “stage” for the test case are being drafted by legal counsel for the Muskoday First Nation in consultation with legal counsel for the FSIN.
This approach will put the issue of Saskatchewan’s changes the allowable quotas of non-taxable tobacco products sold to First Nation members on reserves squarely before the court. The test case will seek to address the primary issues at stake in this case, which are the validity of the Tobacco and Gasoline Agreements and the s. 87 of the Indian Act.
On September 16, 2010 Chief Austin Bear of the Muskoday First Nation plans to purchase three cartons of cigarettes from the Muskoday First Nation store located on reserve.
There has been some discussion with other First Nations also taking the steps that Chief Bear plans to take. While this may not be necessary under the circumstances, the FSIN will certainly cooperate with all First Nations who wish to challenge Saskatchewan’s legislation in this regard.
Kawacatoose Update
The Housing secretariat has been working closely with the Kawacatoose First Nation on the development of a Housing Stategy for transitional housing and rebuilding of homes damaged or destroyed during the July 2, 2010 tornado. There were eighteen homes destroyed and six damaged. This week fourteen trailers will be moved to the First Nation for the displaced families which they will utilize until the homes are rebuilt. My office will continue to work with the First Nation to ensure timely action takes place and the necessary resources are made available.
2010 Canadian Junior Men’s Fastball Championships
The Saskatchewan FSIN Chiefs Junior Men’s Softball team are competing at the Canadian Junior Men’s Fastball Championships in St. Croix, Nova Scotia. Ten teams from across the country, including the FSIN Chiefs who are primarily an all First Nations team, are participating in the national tournament which began Monday, August 2 with the championship game being played on Sunday, August 8, 2010.
The Saskatchewan FSIN Chiefs played two games a day for the three days and played three games on Thursday, August 5. The Chiefs finished round robin play with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses. The Chiefs clinched the last playoff spot and secured a berth into the championship round.
The FSIN Chiefs played their first playoff game, Friday morning, against B.C.’s Sooke Smoke. The Chiefs were victorious with a 4-0 win. "It's a tough tournament but we have some fan support here," says Vice Chief Watson. “Beatrice George, the wife of the late Chief Denton George, is our honourary manager. We did this to honour the memory of Denton who loved the game of fastball and dedicated his life to our young people through culture and sport. Beatrice is here to continue his good work," says Vice Chief Watson.
2010 Canadian Native Fastball Championships
A combined effort by the Whitecap Dakota Nation and the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to host the 2010 Canadian Native Fastball Championship was a huge success. The tournament held on July 30, 31 and August 1, 2010 on the Whitecap Dakota Nation attracted 78 fastball teams from across Canada. Over five thousand players, coaches, spectators and volunteers participated in this year’s national championship.
The final games in the Men, Women and Masters Divisions were held on Sunday, August 1, 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Siksika Rebels from Southern Alberta walked away champs of the Canadian Native Fastball Championships in the Men’s Division. The Rebels defeated Invermere, B.C.’s KDC Braves 3-1 in the final. The Women Division was won by Alberta’s Red Nation Jets defeating Saskatchewan’s AMI Pride. The Master Division was won by Manitoba’s Sapotawekay taking down the Ochapowace Chiefs in the final. The 2011 Canadian Native Fastball Championships will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.