FSIN Feeling Jilted By Indian Affairs Minister

FSIN Feeling Jilted By Indian Affairs Minister

Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 14:13

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice chief Morley Watson is not happy that Indian Affairs minister Andy Scott has abruptly cancelled a scheduled meeting with the FSIN executive.

Today’s scheduled meeting in Regina was going to cover issues like First Nations housing, education and child and family services, but it has been called off at Scott’s request.

Watson says he’s extremely disappointed the meeting won’t happen, especially since Scott will find the time to meet with provincial First Nations Relations minister Maynard Sonntag today.

Watson says First Nations must be involved in all discussions concerning jurisdiction and law making.

He also says First Nations leaders don’t often get the opportunity to have meaningful discussions with Canada’s Indian Affairs minister.

Watson says First Nations groups are not comfortable negotiating through the media, but feels that’s all they have left when federal politicians cancel meetings with them.