The FSIN Wants Canada To Implement The Auditor General's Report
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 18:00
(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Vice Chief Delbert Wapass is pleased with the report of the Auditor General of Canada to the House of Commons regarding land management and environmental protection on reserves. The FSIN is calling on the Federal Government to fully support and implement the recommendations in the Auditor General’s report.
“First Nations in Saskatchewan operate with inadequate funding for training and capacity building to effectively control, manage and sustain reserve lands and resources” says Vice Chief Wapass. “I am hopeful the Auditor General’s report will trigger a change to improve conditions for First Nations.”
The report found, “First Nations and INAC officials have indicated that the land management provisions of the Indian Act create impediments to the economic development of reserves because of the lack of timely decision making.” The document recommends “Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Environment Canada should each assess the funding requirements necessary to fulfill their land management responsibilities on reserves and meet their fiduciary obligations. Each department should identify how it will finance these responsibilities”.
“The solution lies in working together, with capacity, to address these important issues and achieve reconciliation,” says Vice Chief Wapass. “I am optimistic this report will lead to long term financial commitments, fiscal relations and support for First Nations to develop and implement the necessary structures for land management, environmental protection and economic development.”
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
For More Information Please Contact:
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications
Direct: 306.956-1026
Cellular: 306.220-7187
Facsimile: 306.665.0115