Joseph Denies Claims In Report On Band Elections

Joseph Denies Claims In Report On Band Elections

Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 14:58

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is responding to the recent report released by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

In it, CAP says there are widespread problems with off-reserve band members not being allowed to vote on their First Nations.

The group’s leader, Patrick Brazeau, also told the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix the FSIN has rejected them and accused the FSIN of having something to hide.

For his part, Joseph says his group only recognizes duly-elected organizations and not those with invisible membership lists.

Joseph says he’s not aware of ever being asked by the Congress for help on the report.

He also maintains that he recognizes the Supreme Court ruling that says off-reserve band members can vote — but adds that CAP’s report conveniently forgets that the government doesn’t fund the voting process for off-reserve band members.

As well, Joseph says he can’t believe the government is supporting CAP and its agenda.