The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is speaking out on First Nations being excluded from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meetings with Canada’s premiers.
In a statement, the FSIN says the exclusion of First Nations from these meetings is a breach of constitutional obligations.
Carney is meeting with the country’s premiers in Saskatoon on Monday.
In the meantime, the FSIN says First Nation communities will be impacted by these discussions and should be apart of the meetings.
“The Prime Minister and Premiers will be making decisions about our traditional territory without our voices at the table despite the fact Saskatchewan is First Nation ancestral and traditional lands,” said Chief Bobby Cameron,” “This continues the colonial pattern of excluding First Nations from decisions that directly affect our people and our lands.”
The FSIN pointed to two issues of concern they would like to discuss – the National Resource Transfer Agreement, and gaming jurisdiction on-reserve.
“The province continues to profit enormously from our lands and resources while our communities struggle with inadequate infrastructure, housing, and basic services,” continued Chief Bobby Cameron.” “The economic table that generates these billions does not extend to First Nations, yet we are the original stewards of these lands.”