Police called to FSIN as vice-chiefs vie for post
Interim leadership role contested as month-long election period kicks off
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 behind closed doors.
The federation representing 74 Saskatchewan First Nations is set to elect a new chief, first vice-chief and second vice-chief on Oct. 25. Under its legislation, any current executive member standing for reelection was required to resign by noon 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 that she would not seek re-election, and per Section 53 of the FSIN Executive Act would resume duties as interim chief, effective at noon.
According to a 2012 copy of the act, Section 53 states: “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 that the interim chief position would be filled by Fourth Vice-chief Heather Bear, who is not up for re-election in October.
Walker’s email also cited the FSIN Election Act, albeit a different section.
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.”
In the memo, Walker said Bear was taking on the role because Second Vice-chief David Pratt “is unable to assume that role at this time.”
Around two hours later, as police officers 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 said it was “more than disheartening” that both precedent and legislation were not being followed. She declined to speculate on the reason underlying the struggle that unfolded Monday.
“No one is above the legislation,” Jonathan said.
In an email, police spokeswoman Alyson Edwards said officers were called to the 100 block of Packham Ave., where the FSIN offices are located, for a “disturbance,” but could not immediately provide additional information.
It is not yet clear who is running to replace Jonathan or for the second vice-chief position, currently held by Edward “Dutch” Lerat.
The federation’s election for chief is shaping up to be a race between incumbent Bobby Cameron, who has held the post since 2015, and challenger Delbert Wapass, a former FSIN vice-chief who currently serves as chief of Thunderchild First Nation.