FSIN chief won’t be dismissed without a fight

Guy Lonechild isn’t leaving his fate as head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in the hands of chiefs or their designates.

In a news conference that followed five days after the FSIN executive council and Indian Government Commission suspended him with pay, Lonechild announced he is considering legal action. Six other FSIN personnel were also suspended.

“As Chief of the FSIN, I know that we have to be able to treat our people fairly, and as Chief of the FSIN to uphold our laws and processes in the legislative assembly. . . .  (I) would look at filing an injunction  on the decisions and proceedings of the hearing,” said Lonechild.

Lonechild was stripped of his duties as chief of the FSIN after a hearing on Aug. 5. His powers were handed over to Vice-Chief Morley Watson. On Sept. 1 a non-confidence vote on Lonechild’s continuing leadership is scheduled for Saskatoon.

“We (which includes the three remaining executive members) have the authority until as least that time,” said Watson, who added that it’s “business as usual (for the FSIN). The sky isn’t falling. I’ve assured the chiefs, councils, First Nation communities and our partners that we did some planning, we’re doing some strategizing on all the issues before the federation. We’re working on them collectively to move them forward.”

But Lonechild said member nations as well as the FSIN’s partners should be wary.

“I wouldn’t feel very comfortable either if Morley Watson was at the helm of the FSIN just like he was as the helm of the First Nations University of Canada. I think it’s wrong and I think the process needs to be reviewed and I urge all people to seriously consider what has happened in the last 48 hours or so,” said Lonechild.

At the hearing, which took place at Dakota Dunes, a petition was brought forward against Lonechild’s leadership by Moosomin Chief Elliot Kahpeaysewat. He also had legal counsel and witnesses. Lonechild was present with legal counsel but eventually left the proceedings, which continued into the evening.

“You’re given the opportunity to present your side of the argument. If you use it or not, that’s up to each individual,” said Watson.

 “The reason that I had walked out of that hearing is that our preliminary objections identified that there was problems with the grounds in which a vote of non-confidence would proceed. It was not explained to myself or my legal counsel on which grounds that they were moving for a vote of non-confidence,” said Lonechild.

“Some of the issues (that Lonechild) faced became public in the last few months,” said Watson.

Among those issues is the impaired driving charge levied against Lonechild prior to running for election as FSIN chief. He did not disclose the charge. Later, he pleaded guilty.

“I think that was one big thing,” said Darrel McCallum, chief of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. “It’s about integrity, in terms of being honest and transparent.”
However, McCallum said he respects Lonechild’s ability to lead and he will continue to work with Lonechild if he remains on as chief. Lonechild’s term is scheduled to expire October 2012.

Lonechild is pushing legal action based on what he calls a breach in procedure that led to the non-confidence vote.

The results of the Sept. 1 non-confidence vote will be known that day, said Watson. The vote will be held in closed session with every chief or their designate having a say in Lonechild’s future.

Watson said this is the first time the FSIN has been met with this kind of challenge.
“It’s a difficult situation. We just have to continue to work at what we’re supposed to be doing,” he said.