Cameron tells FSIN labour trial he's victim of `political antics'

SASKATOON A Saskatoon trial paints two pictures of the most powerful First Nations politician in the province.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron testified on Thursday about Danette Starblanket, his former right hand, who is suing the FSIN for wrongful dismissal after losing the job in 2016.

His testimony contrasted sharply with that of Starblanket and Kim Jonathan, a former FSIN vicechief, telling two vastly different stories about his own character and Starblanket's termination.

The circumstances that led to the case were “horrible negative political antics,” he testified.

“It was political. And it's still political.”

Starblanket said Cameron fired her in March 2016, five months after she was hired, telling her she was “blocking too much” when it came to spending, including by opposing efforts to take money meant for child education programs to pay for political staff.

Starblanket said she lost favour with Cameron in part because of her support for Jonathan, who was struggling with mental health at the time. Jonathan and Starblanket said Cameron and other elected FSIN officials bullied Jonathan.

Cameron and current vice-chief Heather Bear denied that, saying they encouraged Jonathan to take time off. Cameron denied telling Starblanket she was “blocking too much” and said he fired her because the organization wanted a change in direction.

Cameron began his testimony by speaking at length about advocating for First Nations people, supporting them and feeding the homeless. He's someone who would “rather break a man's leg than break their heart,” he said.

“We're kind people. We're respectful people.”

Starblanket became Cameron's executive operating officer (EOO) shortly after he was first elected in 2015. Cameron described the job as being a right hand to the chief — the “most loyal compadre.”

Starblanket's contract with FSIN ended at the conclusion of the 2015-16 fiscal year in March and carried the stipulation that she could be terminated without cause at any time after a probationary period, with proper notice.

Starblanket said Cameron indicated to her that she would remain in that role for at least his first three-year term as FSIN chief, and that he had ambitions of later pursuing the top job at the Assembly of First Nations, like former FSIN chief Perry Bellegarde. Jonathan testified Cameron had ambitions of pursuing that position.

She told court Cameron offered her the job on his election night in 2015, which he denied.

Jonathan testified that Cameron spoke about his AFN ambitions at a pipe ceremony after his victory. Cameron said there was no such ceremony and if there was, he wasn't there.

“I must have had the 'rona,” he testified in cross-examination, an apparent joke in reference to COVID -19.

Cameron said the relationship with Starblanket began to deteriorate in part because of her support for Jonathan. Starblanket and Jonathan said Cameron and other FSIN executives were dismissive and rude to Jonathan. Jonathan described them as a “playground of bullies.”

Cameron denied that.

“All we wanted was for her to heal,” he said.

Starblanket's civil suit seeks general and aggravated damages for her termination, alleging she was wrongfully dismissed and prevented from executing parts of her job in her last months there. After she lost the EOO job, she took an executive director position at FSIN with lower pay. She went on stress leave in June 2016 and has not worked at the FSIN since.

The parties are expected to begin oral arguments Friday in Saskatoon.