Police called to FSIN as vice-chiefs compete for interim role

SASKATOON Two police cruisers idled outside the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations office in Saskatoon on the first day of its month-long electoral period as a quiet struggle for interim control of the organization played out.

The federation representing 74 First Nations is set to elect a new chief, first vice-chief and second vice-chief Oct. 25. Under its legislation, any executive member standing for re-election was required to resign by 12 p.m. Monday.

Shortly after that deadline, police arrived.

Minutes earlier, First Vice-chief Kim Jonathan sent an email to FSIN staff and dozens of Saskatchewan chiefs stating she would not seek re-election, and per Section 53 of the FSIN Executive Act would resume duties as interim chief, effective at noon.

In a 2012 copy of the act, Section 53 says: “When the position of chief becomes vacant and until such time as the position has been filled … the first vice-chief shall assume the duties of the chief and shall be referred to as the interim chief.”

Twenty-two minutes after Jonathan sent her email, FSIN executive operating officer Dawn Walker circulated an email stating the interim chief position would be filled by Fourth Vice-chief Heather Bear, who is not up for re-election.

Walker’s email cited a different section of the FSIN Executive Act.

Section 29 states that during the 30-day campaign period, “The duties and responsibilities of an executive member shall be reassigned, through motion of the executive adopted prior to election day, to another executive whose position is not open for election.”

Around two hours later, as police remained inside the federation’s offices, the FSIN’S official account tweeted, “As with FSIN election protocol and policy, Vice Chief Heather Bear has officially been named interim chief of the FSIN.”

The FSIN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In an interview late Monday afternoon, Jonathan declined to speculate on the reason underlying the struggle that unfolded Monday.

In an email, police spokeswoman Alyson Edwards said officers were called to the block where the FSIN offices are located for a “disturbance,” but could not immediately provide additional information.