The Provincial Government Offers Very Little To First Nations

Wednesday, 24 March 2010 00:00

(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Vice Chief Morley Watson says there is very little good news for First Nation people in the 2010 Provincial Budget. The Province announced today it is unilaterally changing the number of cartons of cigarettes purchased on-reserve by Status Indians from 3 to 1 per week which will cost First Nation businesses millions in lost revenue.

“This is a serious infringement on Treaty Rights without the benefit of meaningful consultation. The Province has extended its authority beyond its jurisdiction,” says Vice Chief Watson. “The Province is unilaterally changing quotas on how much tobacco First Nations people can purchase. This is Indian Agent mentality. The old Indian Agent would tell us how much grain, wood, fence posts and other goods we could produce and provide for our families.”

The Province plans to spend $1.4 Million in Saskatchewan’s north. The Government will meet its $4.9 Million Treaty Land Entitlement obligation. Crowns Investment Corporation will receive $3 Million for First nation economic development. The First Nations highway pilot projects budgeted at $5 Million have been delayed.

“This is a one way street right now. First Nations are doing all the giving and receiving basically nothing from the Province. First Nations contribute millions to provincial coffers through gaming, PST and Federal transfer payments. ,” says Vice Chief Watson. “The delay in the highway funding is prime example that First Nations and their needs are not a priority of this Provincial Government.”

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, 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
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