The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has voted to reallocate some of its funding in order to continue operating for another year.
FSIN member chiefs were in Prince Albert yesterday for a special legislative assembly to discuss recent budget cuts by the federal government.
Over the last two years, the federal government has cut about $2 million in funding to the provincial organization.
Delegates at yesterday’s meeting voted to cut salaries of the four FSIN vice-chiefs to $75,000, eliminate some assistant positions and cut travel allowances.
Member chiefs also voted to reallocate some FSIN funding toward general operating costs.
The moves mean most of the FSIN staff will keep their jobs.
However, some chiefs at the meeting expressed concerns that the changes would only keep the FSIN afloat for another year and the organization will again be struggling to find money to continue.
FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde says everyone needs to work together to find more permanent solutions to insure the FSIN continues to be a strong voice for Aboriginal people across Saskatchewan.
“That work has to continue, that restructuring, that revitalizing and sustaining our FSIN so it can continue to do more good work in the next 65 years and beyond,” he says.
Bellegarde adds the budget cuts are an opportunity for the organization to move in its own direction.
It is difficult to lobby and work for First Nations people using federal government dollars, he says.