The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has identified several priority areas it wants to see addressed in today’s federal budget announcement.

In a release, the FSIN says it has been pushing key priorities in meetings with federal ministers and hopes to see an increase in federal funding in a number of areas.

Chief Bobby Cameron says post-secondary education, Jordan’s Principle and shelter are some of the federation’s biggest issues that need attention.

“We have been consistently advocating to secure increased investment for Treaty and post-secondary education,” says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We also expect Jordan’s Principle to be fully implemented and a huge investment needs to go directly into Treaty right to shelter to address the serious overcrowding and third world living conditions in First Nations communities.”

Other priorities identified by the FSIN include First Nations infrastructure — specifically the need for clean drinking water on reserves and mental health and wellness facilities.

The federation also notes the Saskatchewan Child and Youth Advocate’s report recently highlighted the need for youth centres for First Nations children to access sport, culture and recreational activities.

The FSIN says that would include lands-based programs, which it says are proven as preventative measures to keeping youth on a good path.

(PHOTO: FSIN logo. Photo by FSIN)