First Nations issues still remain after Wall’s departure: Cameron
When Bobby Cameron reflected on Premier Brad Wall’s announcement of his plan to leave politics, the chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) looked mainly to the work they didn’t complete together.
Cameron’s first recollection, however, was of Wall’s compassionate response to the people of La Loche after the deadly school shootings in the northern community in 2015.
“He was there and they remain committed in addressing this and keeping staff on the ground, support services and everything else,” Cameron said in an interview on Thursday.
“We were happy because the people needed to heal. He made an absolutely touching speech when he spoke to the folks in La Loche the time Prime Minister Trudeau was there. We thank him for that.”
Yet, there are still “some items we have to hash out,” Cameron said.
He is concerned about a recent government proposal to limit the number of export permits issued to First Nations outfitters who host American hunters. Without permits, the hunters can’t take the animals they harvest back home, and that threatens the millions of tourism dollars they generate, he said.
“You’re taking out of the economy at a time where we’re facing a $1.2 billion deficit. It makes no sense ... Business has to continue. This is the livelihood for many of our First Nations outfitters. This is their job.
“Are they doing this for the nonFirst Nations outfitters? That remains to be seen. So many questions need to be answered,” he said.
Cameron said he is disappointed that the federation’s decade-long effort to gain jurisdiction over gaming remains incomplete, along with a First Nations plan to change the gaming agreement that currently requires the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) to provide 25 per cent of its profits from six casinos to the province.
“That’s First Nations business generated revenue. That’s our money that we have to reinvest back in our communities so we can build more homes, more mental wellness centres, more youth centres,” he said.
This week’s First Nations Summer Games attracted 4,000 athletes and 2,000 coaches, parents and workers to Regina, where they injected an estimated $5 million into the economy, Cameron said. It’s an example of the way Indigenous people contribute to the economy when their efforts are not impeded, he added.
“First Nations contribute bigtime to the economy of Saskatchewan ... That’s our argument of this 25 per cent we give to the province through SIGA revenues. It’s our money. We want it back to re-invest in our communities.”
First Nations also want to purchase or manage casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw. After years of successful operations, SIGA has proven its ability, he said.
“It’s a legacy and foundation we’ve build for future generations coming up behind us; that’s what matters.”
Saskatchewan First Nations also still call for the province to work with them on transferring pasture lands to those looking to complete Treaty Land Entitlement purchases. They want a role in creating more stringent environmental codes and enforcement, and they want greater jurisdiction over First Nations children in foster care.
“There’s a whole scope of items to really move forward on, so we’re hoping these discussions continue, but more importantly that decisions (are) made to benefit First Nations people,” Cameron said.