FSIN Not Prepared To Fight To Save Historic Site

FSIN Not Prepared To Fight To Save Historic Site

Monday, December 03, 2007 at 15:07

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will not be saving a downtown Saskatoon hotel.

Saskatoon City Council will vote tonight on whether to demolish the Barry Hotel, which is located in the inner city.

The hotel is significant to the FSIN because, according to oral history, First Nations representatives members met there 31 years ago and eventually formed the federation.

Chief Lawrence Joseph says, back then, members often had to meet in secret — so the Barry Hotel definitely has some historical value.

However, Joseph says that isn’t enough for the FSIN to step in and save the building.

He says the FSIN hasn’t received any direction from elders to do so.

He also says it isn’t that easy to find the funds to purchase a building, and that the FSIN tries to buy buildings around which it can form an urban reserve.