“The FSIN has lost its vision”: Poundmaker Cree Nation cuts ties with Saskatchewan. Indigenous organization
The Poundmaker Cree Nation announced Wednesday that it is ending its relationship with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. On their official website, they state that they are « committed to honoring the spirit and intent of the treaties, and to promoting, protecting and implementing the treaty promises that were made over a century ».
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In a press release, Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Duane Antoine said it was an independent nation, not affiliated with or represented by the FSIN. Antoine said the Nation will represent itself directly to the federal and provincial governments.
Poundmaker Cree Nation said it believes the FSIN has lost its vision regarding the preservation and protection of treaty rights.
The statement explained that the decision to sever ties was in the best interests of their nation to protect the treaty for future generations, as the FSIN is a provincial body and cannot serve those interests for the Poundmaker Cree Nation.
The statement also said the decision had been formally discussed among community members for about a year through town hall meetings, workshops, elder meetings and councils.
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Poundmaker adviser Bryan Tootoosis said the move stemmed from the FSIN neglecting some of the nation’s needs.
“We don’t see the FSIN – only when we invite them. Throughout the year, their employees or staff are not affiliated with our Program Board, nor our staff, BTC or Indian Health.
Tootoosis shared that children, social workers and professional educators in the community confirmed that they had never seen FSIN representatives on the floor of Poundmaker, although some of them were employed in the community. for up to ten years.
Poundmaker Chief and Council said they are prepared and educated to serve themselves when it comes to supporting and protecting their treaty and inherent rights.
Tootoosis says if the change is done well it will help the nation move forward, adding that government money would go directly to Poundmaker.
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Tootosin said the FSIN chief was properly briefed.
“Obviously he was not very happy with the decision, but on the other hand, with the leaders of Indian politics and the Indian world, there is respect, and he respects our decision and wished us well. . »
Global News contacted the FSIN for comment, but did not hear back by the deadline.
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