It’s the same acronym but different name for FSIN after a vote at the annual spring assembly in North Battleford.
The terms Saskatchewan and Indian have been replaced so that FSIN now stands for Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.
There was in depth discussion prior to the vote.
This includes Sakimay Chief Lynn Acoose, who rejects the term “Indian.”
“I’m not from India, my ancestors are not from India and I really hate that term.”
The vote was 22 for and 4 against.
There was also discussion of changing treaty status cards to the name “treaty implementation cards.”
Another bit of news to come from the assembly was the federal minister of employment announcing a $100 million investment into Indigenous employment.
MaryAnn Mihychuk says the Liberals will invest half that money – $50 million – to renew a program that brings skills training and job opportunities to indigenous people through partnerships with governments, businesses and community organizations, called the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF). According to a news release, the fund “responds to changing needs and priorities of the labour market, while providing opportunities for Indigenous people to fully participate in Canada’s economy.”
Mihychuk told the audience that the government is putting out a call for proposals under the SPF, with the short window of opportunity to submit applications closing on July 5, 2016.
A further $15 million will go towards continuing to support some existing projects under SPF that continued after funding was set to expire in March.
The remainder of funds will go towards continuing the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, and employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says Mihychuk’s visit, along with a visit from two more Liberals scheduled to speak on Thursday were unheard of before the election.
“Never in the history of the FSIN that I can recall, so you can correct me if I am wrong, have we had three high level key ministers come to our chiefs assembly.”