MOLLOY IS A SAFE CHOICE

No one should dispute that Tom Molloy carries stellar credentials as Saskatchewan’s new lieutenant-governor, with tremendous street cred that should appeal to a wide swath of the province’s populace.

Outside our own borders, Molloy has carved out a reputation as a skilled negotiator with an acute legal mind, as evidenced by his work in the creation of Nunavut in 1993 as well as leading many other First Nations land claims across Canada.

Through those experiences, Molloy has deep knowledge and understanding of the Indigenous world. This is a requirement in this province as we near the third decade of the 21st century.

Former premier Roy Romanow hit the nail on the head when he said Molloy has the skills to be useful when it comes to understanding and hearing what First Nations are saying. Romanow said the lieutenant-governor needs to provide the premier of Saskatchewan with useful advice and this is an area where Molloy can succeed.

However, perhaps we needed to look a little further into the selection of the lieutenant-governor. Rather than just selecting someone who knows something about First Nations issues, maybe finding a First Nations person for the role would have been a more logical step.

We were able to shed the gender cloak and find women to fill the role as the Queen’s representative. Sylvia Fedoruk broke through the barrier in 1988 as the first female in that position. We have had other women — namely Lynda Haverstock and the recent Vaughn Schofield — who filled the role admirably.

Yes, we need someone who can build bridges with First Nations in this province. But wouldn’t it make sense if that person was from the other side of the fence?

It’s time that this province stands up and acknowledges its past, but also shows the rest of the country we are serious when it comes to dealing with our Indigenous brothers and sisters with integrity and a heartfelt desire to make things right. Having an Indigenous lieutenant-governor would only speed things up and send a message that Saskatchewan is serious about that mission.

It would create an instant spark towards healing within the boundaries of this province and provide enough goodwill to kick-start concrete dialogue. Let’s concentrate on finding ways to do this. Appointing an Indigenous person as lieutenant-governor would have been a great first step.

This is not a knock on Molloy and what he brings to the table. This is an acknowledgment of a missed opportunity by this province to embrace what is ours.