FSIN Response to Guy Lonechild

Tuesday, 09 August 2011 15:31

"The FSIN is disappointed with the mischaracterization by Mr. Lonechild on the circumstances of his suspension, and the authorities and processes which are in place to remove one of our elected officials from office. The facts of the situation are as follows:

· It was alleged by many, including Mr. Lonechild's nominator, former Chief Rick Gamble that there was no disclosure of his impending charges when he sought the position of Chief of Saskatchewan. Mr. Gamble and many other Chiefs and Councillors have stated Mr. Lonechild would not have received their support had this fact been known.

· When the issue of this lack of disclosure by Mr. Lonechild came to light, the Chiefs of Saskatchewan commenced a formal process of removal of office as stipulated by the regulations of the organization. The process has received legal guidance throughout on the steps of removal from office, which include:

o The delivery of signed band council resolutions to the FSIN;

o The passing of a resolution giving 30 days notice that a hearing would be established on whether a formal vote of non-confidence would proceed;

o A hearing which occurred last week of the Executive Council-Indian Government Commission, which is the highest body of the FSIN outside of full Chiefs in Assembly. It consists of all of the tribal councils of Saskatchewan, Executive members of FSIN and Senate members;

o This hearing was procedurally conducted under the guidance of legal counsel, including our FSIN legal representative, and heard of a multitude of witnesses including members of the FSIN Credentials Committee who supervised the 2009 election where Mr. Lonechild was elected.

o Once all facts were disclosed, it was decided to place Mr. Lonechild on full pay but suspended of powers until the Chiefs in Assembly could make a decision on his leadership, which is now set for September 1st, 2011."

"The FSIN is a political organization where the 74 Chiefs of Saskatchewan delegate their powers to an Executive to speak on their collective behalf. As with any political organization or legislative body, there is also provision for removal of elected officials when they lose the confidence of their peoples. Mr. Lonechild has served for 11 years as an Executive member and ought to know and respect these processes and procedures. With all due respect to the legal system, if the Chiefs of Saskatchewan withdraw their support from Mr. Lonechild to speak on their behalf, no court order will reinstate the confidence of his people."

For More Information Please Contact:
Shelley Bear
Office of the First Vice Chief
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
306.665.1215