FSIN Executive Communique August 20, 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
Intergovernmental Affairs
This week, Chief Lonechild focused on advancing the rights and interests of First Nations in the areas of internet gaming, education and treaty governance.
Internet Gaming
Over the past few months, the FSIN has been monitoring developments in the area of Internet Gaming, and sent a letter this week to Minister Ken Cheveldayoff to inform him that the province cannot proceed with any new gaming ventures without consulting and including the First Nations of Saskatchewan, as per our 2007 Gaming Agreement. The province has stated publicly that it is considering providing an internet gaming service with estimated revenue of $10 million. Chief Lonechild will be meeting with the province to discuss this issue in the near future.
Education
In the area of education, further progress was made this week on the FSIN-provincial Joint Task Force on Education. FSIN technicians met with Deputy Minister to the Premier, Doug Moen, Q.C. to work out the parameters of the task force, which is intended to improve the life long learning and educational experiences and outcomes for First Nations living on and off the reserve. The FSIN has been clear that the work of this task force must result in effective and tangible solutions that will improve graduation rates and the overall educational attainment of First Nations, as well as address ineffective approaches and barriers requiring change or elimination.
The next meeting to move forward with the task force is scheduled for early September.
Treaty Governance
The FSIN is working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) to evaluate the nature and substance of political agreements between the FSIN and the province. The OTC has commissioned the Saskatchewan Educational Leadership Unit (SELU) at the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan, to undertake the study. A draft report will be submitted on October 15, 2010 for feedback, with a final report due by November 1, 2010. This study will assist in clarifying what role the province must play with respect to Treaty implementation, as they have assumed de facto control over many areas of First Nation jurisdiction covered by the Treaties.
Grand Opening of Birch Narrows School
Chief Lonechild and Vice Chief Wapass attended the official opening ceremony of the Birch Narrows School, held on August 17, 2010 in Turnor Lake. Chief Robert Sylvestre spoke of the 20-year effort to realize the community’s dream of opening a school on the Birch Narrows Dene Nation. Elder Marie Sylvestre, 92, honoured the community by cutting the ribbon to officially open the school doors.
Enhancing Communities Golf Tournament
Chief Lonechild participated in the FSIN Enhancing Opportunities Golf Tournament held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at the Jackfish Lodge golf course. All money raised was donated to the Youth Foundation Fund, which plays a significant role in the development of Saskatchewan First Nation athletes and youth. The fund will assist First Nations communities to build infrastructure to support athletes, families and participants in the Indian Summer and Winter Games.
Thank you to the host sponsors Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority for supporting this worthwhile initiative. We would also like to acknowledge the hole-in-one sponsorship of Cory Missens – a truck from First Nations Drive, and Fire Creek Gas & Grill– $10,000; and other hole sponsors: Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, Regina Inn, Peace Hills Trust, Fire Creek Gas & Grill and Areva. In addition we appreciate the prizes donated by the Beardy’s Blackhawks, Saskatoon Tribal Council, 21 Sports, Gold Eagle Casino, Indian Gaming Regulators, Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, Northern Lights Casino Community Development Corporation, Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc., Dakota Dunes Casino, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, and Sasktel.
Starblanket Healing Gathering
Chief Lonechild was pleased to attend the final day of the Starblanket First Nation’s third annual Traditional Healing Gathering held in Lebret. The Starblanket leadership is to be commended for providing an opportunity for its community members and their guests to gather and renew their spiritual strength and community ties to the land and Creation.
Keepers of the Water IV: The Sacred Gift of Water
Chief Lonechild, Vice Chief Whitefish, Vice Chief Watson and Vice Lerat attended the fourth annual Keepers of the Water watershed gathering on Friday, August 20, 2010. The Keepers of the Water are comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, environmental groups, concerned watershed citizens and communities across Canada working together for the protection of air, water and land, and thus all living things today and tomorrow.
Office of the 3rd Vice Chief- E. Dutch Lerat
Bold Eagle Graduation Aug 19, 2010, Wainwright, Alberta
In attendance for the Bold Eagle 21 Graduation Ceremonies were Chief of Land Staff Lt General Devlin, Western Area Training Centre Commanding Officer Lt Col Kelsey, Canadian Forces and DND members, Chief Ben, Chief Poorman, FSIN Executive members Watson and Whitefish, Numerous Elders, Veterans, Saskatchewan Treaty Commissioner Bill McKnight, federal, provincial and municipal representatives, Bold Eagle graduates, and proud parents. In total, there were approximately 600 people.
Bold Eagle was a huge success this year. There were 86 graduates and 24 from Saskatchewan. Vice Chief Lerat was the reviewing officer, along with LT General Devlin, one of the highest ranking military officers in Canada.
Bold Eagle acknowledges the 21 years of continued involvement from Elder Alma Kytwayhat who is grandmother to over 1000 Bold Eagle grandchildren. Vice Chief Lerat is proud of all the graduates and wishes them well in their future endeavors.
Office of the 4th Vice Chief- Lyle Whitefish
This past week, the FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat hosted the “Only a Matter of Time Elders and Youth Environmental Gathering”. The gathering was held from August 9-12, 2010 and was attended by more than 100 people at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Some of the conference topics included Duty to Consult, Water and Wastewater, Species at Risk, Inland Habitat, Sustaining our Environment, Governance and many others. Two notable international guest speakers included Tom Goldtooth from the Indigenous Environmental Network, and Chief Arvol Looking Horse. Some conference delegates also participated in the Porcupine Plain peaceful occupation held by the Treaty Four Resource Council. On the last day of the gathering, which coincided with the first day of the International Year of the Youth, Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish announced the plans to host a World Indigenous Youth Summit to be held in August 2011. Further details regarding the 2011 youth summit will follow.
The Lands and Resources Secretariat also has identified the locations of the Crown Land Sales that the province has recently released. The land sales are located across the province and affect numerous First Nations’ traditional lands and access to TLE lands. The Secretariat is preparing for a scheduled meeting with the province to address this and a number of other issues.
The duty to consult and accommodate continues to be a priority within the portfolio.
The public launch of the duty to consult law and supporting documents has generated dialogue and interest in moving the file forward in order to address many concerns from our communities. The duty to consult impacts many areas within the Lands and Resources portfolio, one example is water and wastewater. The Secretariat is in discussion with INAC regarding water and wastewater management. This will include inter-portfolio work with the Health Secretariat.