The Common Table Process at a glance

Page 8

In 1996, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the federal government and the Province of Saskatchewan established the Saskatchewan Common Table. The purpose of the Common Table was to discuss issues affecting First Nations governance, to examine existing fiscal and treaty relationships, and to work toward a new system of self governance for Saskatchewan First Nations.

To meet these objectives, two sub-tables were established under the Common Table process. The sub-tables - the Governance Table and the Fiscal Relationship Table - have been meeting regularly over the past two years.

In 1998, the Governance Table undertook an extensive consultation, seeking input from Saskatchewan's First Nations communities. First Nations leaders from across the province were asked to share their views on how a new system of First Nations self governance should be structured.

The Governance Table also identified a common set of interests that should guide future discussions about First Nations self governance. Those interests included First Nations education, child and family services, health, justice, lands and natural resources. The Fiscal Relations Table was established to explore existing fiscal relationships between the three levels of government. Since August 1997, the Fiscal Relationship Table has been compiling statistical information and data on First Nations demographics and expenditures. The data is intended to form the foundation of a new fiscal relationship between Ottawa and Saskatchewan First Nations. Members of the Fiscal Relationships Table have discussed a variety of revenue-related issues including First Nations gaming, taxation and resource ownership.

In 1999, the table held an accountability conference and released a discussion paper on internal and intergovernmental fiscal accountability.

A third table - The Exploratory Treaty Table - was established by the FSIN and Ottawa to gain a better understanding of the historical treaty relationships between Saskatchewan First Nations and the Crown. The Exploratory Treaty Table will continue to explore existing relationships and will continue to contribute to the Common Table process.

Last month, (Nov. 26) the three parties involved in the discussions renewed their support for the Common Table process and vowed to work toward a new system of fiscal and political self governance for Saskatchewan First Nations.