Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall rethinks his government’s engagement with First Nations

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is rethinking his government’s engagement with First Nations. The premier said there could be change in the air, and Wall is considering less facilitation not more, and more direct action in such areas as job training. “What’s missing is not necessarily more facilitation or more roundtables with FSIN or chiefs,” said Wall. “In fact, you might see us moving away from those kinds of things.” But Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde said any plan to extinguish rights, marginalize or exclude First Nations was a relic of the past. “Respectful and thoughtful dialogue is what’s needed with the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan. As always, I remain committed to processes that bring about effective solutions to these long-outstanding issues.”