Cameron reflects on successes, challenges for First Nations in 2017
The StarPhoenix chatted with Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations about events in 2017. Cameron said he saw positive changes with the new federal Liberal government but a continuation of other, perennial concerns with Ottawa and the provincial government. The interview has been condensed and edited.
QWhat were the biggest challenges for First Nations in Saskatchewan in 2017?
AThe online sale of Crown land by the Saskatchewan government didn’t acknowledge our inherent rights to land and the Treaty Land Entitlement agreement, which clearly states that First Nations have right of first refusal on any Crown lands that come up for sale.
The FSIN is supporting Ochapowace Cree Nation, which will launch a lawsuit on the illegal sales of Crown land.
In terms of the federal government, we’re working with them to unlock more of the education funding that was announced in the 2016 budget. It announced $2.6 billion over five years, with the smallest increment in the first year and the biggest amounts in the fourth and fifth year.
The majority of our bands aren’t seeing enough to make significant improvements in technology or investments in language and culture, nutrition programs or teachers’ salaries.
The justice system is still a big challenge, as seen in the Colten Boushie case. The car he was shot in, which was a crucial piece of evidence, was hauled to the towing storage by RCMP (thereby disrupting continuity of evidence). Who does that? We’ve called for an independent Crown prosecutor because there’s no trust in the justice system for First Nations people. We’re still working on gaming jurisdiction to stop giving 25 per cent of SIGA revenues to the province, yet we don’t receive a dime from SaskTel, SaskEnergy or SaskPower.
QWhat successes have you seen?
AWe have some pretty good accessibility to ministers. The prime minister has attended Assembly of First Nations assemblies three times and some of his ministers have attended.
QWhat benefits have First Nations seen?
ALast year’s $90 million commitment for post-secondary education has rolled out to communities. In Saskatchewan it meant $6.3 million for First Nations students to improve their lives through post-secondary investment. It’s a good start.
QWhat confusion has arisen among the federations’ First Nations?
AWe want to ensure that each First Nation has full jurisdiction over their education system on reserve. The federal government does not delegate any First Nations education duties to any provincial government. That rests with the First Nations and always has and always will. Jurisdiction stays with chief and council.
QWhat other successes did FSIN see this year?
AFunding to First Nations can now be transferred to the next fiscal year if it doesn’t all get spent the year it is allocated. Before, it would be clawed back to the federal government.
QWhat other projects are on the go?
AWe have written to Governor General Julie Payette, reminding her of the treaty obligation to come and meet our people on our treaty lands. We’re hoping for a commitment in the new year.
As well, the chiefs directed us to create a suicide prevention strategy, so we’ve travelled to First Nations north and south, holding youth conferences to learn what’s working, what we can do. We need their voices.
QHow can relations improve?
AIn any sector, whether education, housing, justice or lands, the solutions are among our First Nations people. They know what’s going to work and what’s not. Governments, provincial or federal, need to pay attention and listen. The solutions are there. We’ve got to work together, listen to one another and respect each other.