Today, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations(FSIN) starts their two-day assembly in North Battleford at the Twin Rivers Curling Club.
The weather and bad roads prevented MBC News from attending but we will update when we have information to share.
According the draft agenda, Wednesday April 15 was opening in a good way with a pipe ceremony and drumming group Wild Horses kicking things off.
Next up on the agenda, the office of the Chief Bobby Cameron will be leading with resolutions in the following areas: Treaty implementation for the next generation; Treaty lands remain sovereign; Assertion of First Nation Jurisdiction and Mandatory Training on Inherent and Treaty Rights, Treaty Implementation Through Opportunity and Strategic Government Investment; Request for Royal Attendance at 150th anniversary of signing at Fort Carlton; Support for the nomination of Justice Paul Favel to the Supreme Court of Canada.
There is a Women’s resolution, where the Red Eagle Lodge will be appointing Board members.
They will also focus on some fiscal relations which includes a forensic audit update, a tentative update from Rob Harvey, Indigenous Service Canada Regional Director for Saskatchewan, and a resolution where they are looking to amend the Financial Management Act.
They will break for lunch and carry on afterwards with the Office of the second Vice Chief Edward (Dutch) Lerat, where they look to call on resolutions for the Lands and Resources department with resolutions on the Building Canada Act; Health and Social Development discussions in: Eligibility determination for on-reserve income assistance for persons with disabilities; and Canada and First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Regional Agreement. As well Senate resolutions on the table is the appointment of Geraldine Meca to the Senate.
The office of the third Vice Chief Fabian Head, who oversees Education Files, is expected to bring forward resolutions in Education, Innovation, and Research Program Funding Distribution 2026-2027; First Nations University of Canada’s Board of Governors Membership; and present a mandate to establish an Independent Indigenous Sport Advocate Office.
And wrapping up FSIN Assembly Wednesday, will be the Office of the fourth Vice Chief Craig McCallum who over sees the Justice files, and he is expected to bring forward a resolution on Federal Indigenous Justice Strategy.
Thursday looks to be a half day starting with a pipe ceremony and Wild Horses drum group welcoming back the chiefs and delegates to the FSIN Assembly.
On Thursday’s agenda there is expected to be a Women’s Commission address, Elders address, Youth address, and Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans address.