The SFNWC is extremely busy with various policy issues that impact First Nations women and youth. Currently, files such as exploited children in the sex trade, and First Nations women and violence have been the focus for this year.

The first reading of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission Act was passed by the FSIN Chiefs–in-Assembly at the Spring 2003 Assembly. This historic document was the hard work of the Women’s Council, the SFNWC Advisory Circle and the Secretariat.

While all issues are considered important by the SFNWC, children who are exploited in the sex trade continued to be a top priority in the last year. Statistics have shown that upward of 90 percent of the children in the sex trade (provincially) are status Indians from Saskatchewan First Nations. The SFNWC office is working with the provincial government to ensure that services and program initiatives that are implemented are appropriate for the youth. A safe house located in Regina, specific legislation and program models specific to the needs of exploited children have come to fruition as a result of this relationship.