It was a full house in North Battleford as the FSIN legislative assembly’s spring got underway on Wednesday.
Opening remarks came in the morning from Saulteaux First Nation Chief Kenny Moccasin, North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton and FSIN youth Cheyenne Fineday.
The Senate address from Sol Sanderson touched on the historical context behind resolutions to come later in the day. He also spoke in depth about nation-building, calling on his people to come together like they did in the 1980s during talks on the Canadian constitution.
“The process of colonization was painful but the process of decolonization will be even more painful,” Sanderson said.
Following that, the hundreds in attendance witness the Senate appointment of John Charles Thomas – better known as Chuck – of Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.
The former St. Michaels Residential School student went on to work in the correctional service.
Thomas helped draft a number of legislative acts for Beardy’s and Okemasis and has been a part of FSIN for more than 22 years.
A starblanket presentation followed the appointment. The Battle Hill drum group played an honour song as Delegates and observers congratulated Thomas and his family – among them was recently-elected Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme.
Following that, Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Grand Chief Steven Ross of Montreal Lake Cree Nation delivered his address. This included a moment of silence for the nine veterans who have died in the past year.