The FSIN Resource Management System (RMS)/Resource Management Personnel Program (RMPP) has been in operation for the last five years through a contribution arrangement between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Saskatchewan Environment. In 2004, the FSIN was informed by INAC that the Department would no longer provide funding for the RMS/RMPP after the 2004-2005 fiscal year. As a result, the FSIN was forced to release four RMS/RMPP staff in December 2004. However, with additional funding provided by the Provincial Government, the FSIN has been able to retain staff to continue the program.

There have been valuable benefits achieved through the work of the RMS/RMPP. These have included among others; helping to build positive relations between Saskatchewan Environment officials, and the First Nations and their members; providing firearms, fire protection and other types of training at the community level; and representing the interests of First Nations people on various Lands and Resource Committees.

The FNRMS staff has been involved in numerous issues and projects both at the community level and on a provincial scope. The program continues to be guided by earlier agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding (1993) and the Protocol Agreement (1994). The program continues to be financed by Saskatchewan Environment (SE). Current funding agreement provides for 3 RMPP staff, 2 FNRMS Policy Analyst, and a FNRMS Manager.

RMS

The priorities of the Policy Analysts are to be involved with and be aware of all policies and regulations that the province has developed or are going to develop that will affect First Nations. There are two policy analysts within the RMS program; Alfred Quewezance works out of the Regina SE office on all provincial level policies that have direct affect on First Nations land and Treaty Rights; and Roxanne Baldwin works in the FSIN Saskatoon office on policies and strategies significant to First Nations at the provincial and community levels.

Alfred Quewezance (Policy Analyst – Regina SE) 306-787-8200
Alfred has been working with Saskatchewan Environment on the Chronic Wasting Disease National Strategy, wildlife issues, policies pertaining to fish and wildlife and other issues related to provincial policies of significant concern.

Roxanne Baldwin (Policy Analyst – FSIN Saskatoon) 306-956-6927
Roxanne has been focusing on research with regards to the Natural Resource Transfer Agreement, consultation, and other issues that have significant concern to First Nations land and Treaty Rights.

RMPP

The RMPP Program was in existence at the time of signing the Agreement. The Program Staff are resource technicians for Tribal Councils, First Nations, and the FSIN. The RMPP staff have been teaching a large number of First Nation firearms training course due to the new federal gun legislation. Under the RMPP there are three staff members; Howard Desnomie works out of the Fort Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Ryan Kay who works out of the Prince Albert Grand Council office, and Patrick Derocher at the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.

Howard Desnomie (RMPP – FHQTC) 306-332-3558
Howie has been working on a number of issues in the Fort Qu’Appelle area. Those issues include outfitting, firearm safety courses, wildlife club, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Species at Risk Act, FHQ Wildlife Advisory Committee and other Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Gathering issues.

Ryan Kay (RMPP – PAGC) 306-765-5300
Ryan is currently working on outfitting, fisheries management, forestry, firearm safety courses, reforestation, agro-forestry, alternative measures, Firearms Act, and other issues pertaining to fisheries and forestry.

Patrick Derocher (RMPP – MLTC) 306-236-8518
Patrick is working on issues pertaining to forestry, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Species at Risk Act, Environment, lands management, Treaty Land Entitlement, and other lands related issues.