The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), formerly known as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, is a Saskatchewan-based First Nations organization. It represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan and is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Numbered Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of these promises made over a century ago.
Precursors [1] [2] to the FSIN include, in 1919, the establishment of the Indian League of Canada or League of Indians of Canada, [3] based in Ontario, that led to the league holding an annual congress in Saskatchewan, in 1921, at the Thunderchild First Nation. In 1929, The League of Indians of Western Canada is formed, with John Tootoosis of the Poundmaker First Nation the first president. In 1933, a group of Saskatchewan "Treaty #4 First Nations; Pasqua, Piapot, and Muscowpetung," [4] known as the Allied Bands, reorganize to become the Saskatchewan Treaty Protection Association then later, Protective Association for Indians and their Treaties. [4] In 1943, The Association of Saskatchewan Indians, led by Joe Dreaver, is formed and quickly grows to become one of the largest bodies representing First Nations in the province. [4]
Then "the Premier of Saskatchewan, T.C. Douglas became involved. Premier Douglas was concerned about the plight of First Nations people in Saskatchewan. He was interested in helping to unite the three major First Nations organizations in the province." [4] Chiefs and leaders gathered in Fort Qu'Appelle in 1946, amalgamating provincial groups to become the Union of Saskatchewan Indians with John Tootoosis as president. [1] [5] [6] The union was created with the merger of at least two other groups, the Protective Association for the Indians and their Treaties, and the Association of Saskatchewan Indians, (officially incorporated in 1945 with Joe Dreaver as president).
In 1958, the First Nations leaders gathered in Fort Qu'Appelle once again, and reviewed the constitution of the union, replacing it with a new organization that more fairly represented the First Nations reality, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, [1] and organized as a non-profit. [2] It was decided that the organization be looked upon as a federation of bands and that the power reside in the hands of the Chiefs. The union dropped its non-profit status and evolved into the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations at the convention of 69 Saskatchewan Indian Chiefs in April 1982 (held the same time as the Canadian Constitution was signed, see Treaties section below). [7] The political convention outlined a governing structure that consisted of the Chiefs-in-Assembly, a Senate, an Elders' Council, an executive council and an Indian Government Commission for the FSIN.
In May 2016 the FSIN Chiefs-in-Assembly voted to change the name to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, retaining the acronym FSIN. [8]
The intent of FSIN and its precursors, was the defense and protection treaty rights, land and resources, and came from the desire to "foster [the] economic, educational and social growth" [2] of their people.
Government policies ensured that First Nations farmers found it difficult to farm. [9] [10] [11] With the advent of SIAP (Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture/al Program) governments were passing some control over to indigenous farmers [12] and "...SIAP offered opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to learn about and gain skills in the agricultural sector" [13] [14] "In the 1970s [the 60's according to the SIAP history in Appendix 5 of the Williams report [15] ], the groundwork was laid by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture, the University of Saskatchewan and the Department of Indian and Northern Development" for SIAP. Another source reports Harold Greyeyes and the "Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Administration (ARDA), in co-operation with the FSIN," established SIAP in 1974. [16] A third source states "SIAP was created under the guidance of Alex Kennedy, [17] a First Nations farmer born in Little Pine First Nation, the first chairman of SIAP – and the second chairman of the former FSIN." [18] Regardless, SIAP was funded in 1975, incorporated in 1978 (with a new logo designed by indigenous artist Gerald McMaster [19] ), and ended in 1995, [12] [20] [10] though another source states 2002. [18]
SIAP aimed to 'promote interest in the agriculture industry, develop economically viable farm units and to improve the productive capacity of Indian reserve lands.' [21] [20] Alex Kennedy "envisioned farming and agriculture as ideal initiatives to regain lands leased out to non-Indigenous farmers and carve out an agricultural economy for Indigenous communities. A significant component of the SIAP strategy was education and training courses to integrate both farming techniques and farm business literacy to prospective First Nations farmers." [18] In 1977, SIAP was described as "originally intended to establish 350 individual farm units over the initial 5 year period. However, the thrust of the program is being modified with major emphasis now on the development of large (5-10,000 acre) band owned farms." [22] An article published by the Ag. Rep. in the February 1979 Saskatchewan Indian profiles only four successful band farms, including Star Blanket, and notes reasons for the failure of others. [23] SIAP and its efforts were also profiled in 1981. [24] As of 1989, "SIAP has diversified its activities into a number of areas, including wild rice, alfalfa farming, ethanol production, game ranching (deer, buffalo, elf), and fish farming." [25] "At its 'zenith … [SIAP] created 600 viable farm units, a marketing company, a loan company and a venture capital company' (Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame 2014)." [18] In 1993, Ken Thomas made a presentation to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, outlining the successes of the program. [26] Gerald Starr, a Tom Longboat Award Winner from 1952, manager of Star Blanket Farm, [23] [27] is recorded as chairman of the board in the 1980s. [10] [28] [29] [30]
"Although small portions of present-day Saskatchewan include lands from Treaty 2 (1871) and Treaty 7 (1877), the five major historical or numbered treaties of this province are Treaty 4 (1874), Treaty 5 (1875–76), Treaty 6 (1876), Treaty 8 (1899–1900), and Treaty 10 (1906–07)." [37]
Over many years the FSI attempted to be recognized and participate in discussions and decisions around the "repatriation" of the Constitution of Canada. These efforts are reported in the Saskatchewan Indian (see Publications below). In April 1982 (the same month the Constitution was signed) the First Nations signed the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Convention, and agreed to unite in a common front to protect and preserve First Nations' Treaty rights and their political, economic, social and cultural characteristics.
In 1989 the FSIN and the Government of Canada agreed to "create an independent and impartial office which, at that time, would serve to research and provide recommendations on the issues of treaty land entitlement and education for First Nations in Saskatchewan," called the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (1991?-1996). This office's mandate was expanded and the term extended for another five years (1997–2002) [38] which then stretched to ten years. [39] This Office remains in existence today.
SIAP offered courses in the agricultural sector, [13] [14] sometimes through or at the premises of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College and/or the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and/or at the Saskatchewan Indian Community College.
The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College was established in 1972. [40] Its name changed to Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre [2] and eventually, the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) in 2016. [41] It was established as a teaching institution to strengthen and support the overall First Nations education and cultural awareness of First Nations People. It was the first First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level. [4]
The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, proposed in 1971 [42] and an eventual spin-off of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College, was established in 1976 and immediately federated with the University of Regina in May of that same year. [43] "Initially, it offered a Bachelor of Arts Program in Indian Studies within the Faculty of Arts. Other accredited programs were subsequently developed and implemented: Indian Art, Indian Education, Indian Management and Administration, and Indian Social Work Education. All these programs are academically integrated with their respective University of Regina facilities. Ida Wasacase was the first director of the SIFC." [43] Blair Stonechild (Muscowpetung) was the first lecturer. In 1996, 30 years after inception, it remained "the only Indian-controlled, university-level college in the country." [43] In 2003, its name changed to the First Nations University of Canada [2] [42] and gained a new vision statement “The First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The university is a special place of learning where we recognize the spiritual power of knowledge and where knowledge is respected and promoted,” [42] and a new building by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal.
Founded as the Saskatchewan Indian Community College in 1976, apparently as an off-shoot of the Federated College [44] with a focus on adult education programs, and awarding certificates and diplomas in various technological and vocational fields, [42] SICC's name changed to Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies [2] (SIIT) in 1985. [44] In 2000, the province enacted the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act that acknowledged the school as a full, post-secondary institution. [45]
The Worldcat Identities database record for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians clearly shows a time frame for their publications, based on items held at various libraries. Roughly 84 works from 1970 to 1985 are recorded, published in one language. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Identity record clearly shows a stronger record of publishing, with roughly 168 works in more languages (4), from 1982–1983 to 2015–2016. There have not been a significant number of publications held at libraries, published by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. There have been publications from committees and task forces, plus the colleges and University, not included under the names listed above. The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre holds a number of items, searchable in their library catalogue.
Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, established in 1986, [2] is now the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, Inc. In 2002–03 it amalgamated with SIAP's Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company and the Inpro West Investment Corporation (INPRO). [36]
The Chiefs Assembly honoured Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane for her lifetime achievements and recognized her as Canada's first female, First Nations Chief (of The Key First Nation), first elected under the current electoral system. [49] [50] [51]
Presidents and chiefs of the FSI and FSIN include: [52]
Indigenous peoples in Canada are the Indigenous peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Although "Indian" is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada, and most consider them to be pejorative. "Aboriginal" as a collective noun is a specific term of art used in some legal documents, including the Constitution Act, 1982, though in some circles that word is also falling into disfavour.
David Ahenakew was a Canadian First Nations (Cree) politician, and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nations-operated post-secondary institution offering training and educational programs in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The First Nations University of Canada is a post-secondary institution and federated college of the University of Regina, based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. FNUniv operates three campuses within the province, in Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon. The university offers academic programs in business, the humanities, social sciences, and sciences; including a number of programs focused around aboriginal practices.
Harold Cardinal was a Cree writer, political leader, teacher, negotiator, and lawyer. Throughout his career he advocated, on behalf of all First Nation peoples, for the right to be "the red tile in the Canadian mosaic."
Gordon Tootoosis, was a First Nations actor of Cree and Stoney descent. Tootoosis was a descendant of Yellow Mud Blanket, brother of the famous Cree leader Pîhtokahanapiwiyin. He was acclaimed for his commitment to preserving his culture and to telling his people's stories. He once said, "Leadership is about submission to duty, not elevation to power." He served as a founding member of the board of directors of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company. Tootoosis offered encouragement, support and training to aspiring Aboriginal actors. He served as a leading Cree activist both as a social worker and as a band chief. In Open Season and Boog and Elliot's Midnight Bun Run, Tootoosis was the voice of Sheriff Gordy.
John Baptiste Tootoosis was a prominent Cree First Nations leader in Canada. He is the grandson of Yellow Mud Blanket, the brother of legendary Cree leader Pitikwahanapiwiyin, also known as Poundmaker.
Noel Victor Starblanket was a Canadian politician. For two terms from 1976 to 1980 he was chief of the National Indian Brotherhood.
Lakeland College is a post-secondary college in Alberta, Canada. It is publicly funded, and maintains two campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster. Lakeland serves over 7,000 students through the academic year with 2,223 studying full- and part-time.
Agriculture in Saskatchewan is the production of various food, feed, or fiber commodities to fulfill domestic and international human and animal sustenance needs. The newest agricultural economy to be developed in renewable biofuel production or agricultural biomass which is marketed as ethanol or biodiesel. Plant cultivation and livestock production have abandoned subsistence agricultural practices in favor of intensive technological farming resulting in cash crops which contribute to the economy of Saskatchewan. The particular commodity produced is dependent upon its particular biogeography or ecozone of Geography of Saskatchewan. Agricultural techniques and activities have evolved over the years. The first nation nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and the early immigrant ox and plow farmer proving up on his quarter section of land in no way resemble the present farmer operating huge amounts of land or livestock with their attendant technological mechanization. Challenges to the future of Saskatchewan agriculture include developing sustainable water management strategies for a cyclical drought prone climate in south western Saskatchewan, updating dryland farming techniques, stabilizing organic definitions or protocols and the decision to grow, or not to grow genetically modified foods. Domestically and internationally, some commodities have faced increased scrutiny from disease and the ensuing marketing issues.
Ahtahkakoop First Nation is a Cree First Nation band government in Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada belonging to the Wāskahikaniwiyiniwak division of nēhiyawak. The Ahtahkakoop First Nation government and community is located on Ahtahkakoop 104, 72 kilometers northwest of Prince Albert and is 17,347 hectares in size. The community was formerly known as the "Sandy Lake Indian Band", a name which is still used interchangeably when referring to the reserve.
Perry Bellegarde is a Canadian First Nations advocate and politician who served as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations from December 10, 2014, to July 8, 2021. He had previously served as chief of the Little Black Bear First Nation, chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and as the Saskatchewan regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The following is an alphabetical list of topics related to Indigenous peoples in Canada, comprising the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Indigenous-based organized crime (IBOC), formerly known as Aboriginal-based organized crime (ABOC), is a term used to refer to Canadian criminal organizations which have a significant percentage of indigenous members. These organizations are primarily found in the prairie provinces, which tend to have areas with high concentrations of people of indigenous descent. IBOC is an important national monitored issue, as defined by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada.
Jean Cuthand Goodwill OC was a Canadian Cree nurse who, in 1954, became Saskatchewan's first Aboriginal woman to finish a nursing program.
James (Sakej) Youngblood Henderson is an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and educator.
The pass system was a segregationist policy by the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs (DIA), first initiated on a significant scale in the region that became the three prairie provinces in the wake of the 1885 North-West Rebellion—as part of a series of highly restrictive measures—to confine Indigenous people to Indian reserves—newly-established through the Numbered Treaties. The "Indian pass system"—introduced as a temporary emergency measure to quell First Nations resistance—was formalized and became permanent under successive federal governments. In archived correspondence between the three federal officials who were the "most prominent in the development and implementation of Indian policy" in the 1880s and 1890s—John A. Macdonald (1815–1891), Edgar Dewdney (1835–1916), and Hayter Reed (1849–1936), it was evident that they were all cognizant of the lack of a legal basis for the pass system, and that it did not respect treaty agreements.
Gwendolyn Lucy O'SoupCrane (1930–2005) was Canada's first female First Nations Chief, and first elected.
The Saskatchewan Indian Women's Association (SIWA) was a provincial organization representing the personal and political voices of treaty Indian women living on reserve in Saskatchewan.
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