Organization to elect new chief Thursday
Chief will be selected Thursday amid controversy, criticism and call for reform
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is set to elect a new chief Thursday.
Some insiders and at least one expert agree that whoever wins the two-way race must find a way to restore confidence in the 72-yearold institution.
Rob Innes, who heads the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Studies department, says recent controversies have damaged the federation’s reputation and made the contest between incumbent Bobby Cameron and challenger Delbert Wapass “significant.”
“With the number of chiefs coming out and criticizing the need for the FSIN, this is a pretty crucial election not only in terms of who wins, but what they will do when they win to gain that confidence back,” Innes said.
“How they do that could be an exciting development in First Nations politics — or it could (not be), it could be very divisive,” he continued, pointing out that the election is an opportunity to address long-standing questions about the FSIN’S role.
The FSIN has faced several controversies in recent weeks, including a leaked video of a private meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, police being called to the FSIN office to mediate an internal dispute, and an allegation that police are investigating a claim of financial irregularities involving one or more people.
The chiefs of two Saskatchewan First Nations as well as the FSIN youth representatives responded with scathing criticism and calls for reform. Others, including the federation itself, have downplayed concerns and suggested they are politically motivated.
“Whoever wins, this will really test their leadership skills to create an effective organization that First Nations in Saskatchewan will have confidence in,” Innes said of the need to consult with and build consensus among the FSIN’S 74 member First Nations.
Opinion among the province’s chiefs appears to be divided, with some urging change and others pushing for stability.
Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said he is concerned that the federation is in “disarray,” and that its executive has not been working together.
As an example, he said the FSIN did not provide any support for Saskatoon Tribal Council’s (STC) seven member bands during their court battle with the government over child welfare two years ago.
Pointing to a new partnership between STC and the federal government that will see more than $56 million directed to child-care initiatives developed and administered by its member bands, Arcand said the FSIN should adopt a similar approach.
“We need them to step aside out of programs and services … We are building the capacity within our tribal councils and our communities to actually take over the programs and services to be more accountable and transparent to our members. That’s where the need is.”
“Taking dollars away from our communities is not an effective way to do business.”
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty acknowledged there are different perspectives about the FSIN, but said the federation has been helpful for his community, particularly as a liaison with the federal and provincial governments.
The FSIN also keeps abreast of issues related to and threats facing treaty rights, and can lobby on behalf of First Nations on many issues, including housing, child welfare and challenging governments on jurisdiction, Beatty said.
“If there’s a common issue, there’s a common issue and everyone will speak with one voice, and 74 voices are a lot louder than one voice.”
Cameron and Wapass are among the most recognizable First Nations politicians in Saskatchewan.
A member of Witchekan Lake First Nation, 44-year-old Cameron worked as a teacher before he was elected to his first of two terms as a vice-chief of the FSIN in 2011. Four years later, he was elected chief of the federation in a landslide victory.
Wapass, 50, also worked as a teacher before entering politics. Over the last 20 years, he has served as chief of Thunderchild First Nation and done two stints as an FSIN vice-chief. He has twice campaigned for — and lost — the federation’s top job. Speaking with reporters earlier this year, Cameron suggested he will continue to campaign on protecting inherent and treaty rights. Wapass, in an interview with Postmedia News last month, said the FSIN needs a more outspoken leader.
Neither candidate has released a detailed platform. Innes said general agreement on issues such as the need to protect treaty rights, improve child care and educational outcomes likely means the election will hinge on other factors.
“I think it comes down to who do the chiefs believe has the ability to achieve what they say they ’re going to achieve.”
Delegates are expected to cast their ballots on Thursday, the second day of the federation’s annual legislative assembly. They will also elect a new first vice-chief and third vice-chief.