First Nations take next step in self-governance

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In a solid move toward self-governance, Saskatchewan First Nations have taken a significant step away from the Indian Act.

On May 27 the federal government, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the province signed a new agreements that are intended to move First Nations toward self-government.

"We always say we are treaty Indians, and First Nations people, but we never got a treaty implementation act, all we have is the Indian Act," said FSIN Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde. "So we are starting that process towards giving legal effect to our treaties towards self governance."

The three parties established a common table in 1996 to discuss and identify a process that would carry out First Nations self governance.

The signing of the agreements marks the end of exploratory discussions and the beginning of formal negotiations.

"Now that Saskatchewan has Cabinet approval and a mandate, it is authorized to deal with all areas from education, child and family services, justice, hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, annuities, housing, and now land and resources," said Bellegarde. "So things we have been working on for years now have a formalized process where we can finally get these issues resolved and our jurisdiction established. This announcement and the signing of it is for the further progression of that work."

The parties hope to conclude the agreement-in-principle for new governance and fiscal arrangements by January 2002.

In a separate signing, the Minister of Indian Affairs Robert Nault and Saskatchewan's Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Jack Hillson signed Memorandums of Agreement on Specific Claims and Partnership Initiatives.

Within the MOA for Specific Claims the federal government will allot $4.1 million to the province for municipal tax loss to address First Nations' land claim settlements.

"The $4.1 million will assist us in getting lands back into reserve status faster," said Bellegarde.

The process for reserve policy and creation is very slow and cumbersome as third party interest has to be in accord with federal government policy. There is always the issue as to what the fair amount is for tax loss compensation, and that is a slow bureaucratic process, explained Bellegarde.

"It should have an impact because our reserves are saying it takes too long for reserve creation," said Bellegarde. "So this should hopefully help speed that up."

Areas of forestry, tourism, and training were outlined in the MOA for Partnership Initiatives to signify the governments' support in working with First Nations to create social and economic growth.

"Advancing the economic, social and political well-being of First Nation communities will benefit all Saskatchewan residents," said Minister Hillson.

The agreements reflect the federal and provincial governments' commitment to work with First Nations in supporting strong communities, people, and economies, as outlined in the 1998 Gathering Strength-Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan.

"This is another positive step along its journey," said Chief Bellegarde. "As First Nations people, we view these processes as a way and means to get our jurisdiction established, and to attain recognition and respect for an implementation of our inherent treaty rights."