The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is looking at depoliticizing its boards.
During this week’s assembly, the FSIN agreed to review how its boards are made up and see if any changes could be made to strengthen the selection process.
The motion was initially introduced by Yorkton tribal chief Gilbert Panipekeesick.
He feels the federation’s boards need to evolve to keep pace with the changing realities of business.
Some members feel too many chiefs wind up sitting on boards and the process should be widened to include educated citizens who have specialized skills and business connections.
Chief Wesley Daniels of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation says he has no problem with qualified people sitting on FSIN boards, but he doesn’t want to see chiefs excluded simply because they’re chiefs.
Meantime, Chief Lynn Acoose of the Sakimay First Nation says she won’t mind if this means more non-aboriginal people eventually wind up sitting on them.
She adds her band recently hired a non-Aboriginal person who is now sitting on the board.
The resolution to review the process passed by a count of 27 chiefs in favour and five against.
The issue will now be studied.