Historic agreements signed

Page 3

A protocol agreement was signed Oct. 31 by representatives from the federal and provincial governments and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations that established a common table for discussion of issues of mutual concern, including ways to identify and facilitate processes to negotiate and implement Aboriginal self-government.

The signing was made in conjunction with the events planned for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the FSIN during Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

Also signed was a memorandum of agreement to re-establish the Office of the Treaty Commissioner as an independent entity with a new mandate and structure to facilitate self-government negotiations and to assist with exploratory discussions on treaty issues.

Chief Blaine Favel of the FSIN expressed the commitment of the chiefs of Saskatchewan to the renewed treaty process.

"First Nations treaties with the Crown are sacred agreements which will continue forever. We have always seen our treaties as a two-way street.

"Although the people of Canada and of the province of Saskatchewan have become wealthy from their side of the treaty, the First Nations have yet to realize the benefits that are owed to them. The Crown accepted obligations as did our ancestors. The problem has been making the government live up to its commitments and act honorable on treaty implementation," Favel said.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner was first established in June 1989 as a result of an agreement between Indian Affairs and FSIN to start bilateral negotiations on treaty land entitlement and education. The original mandate was for a two-year period, which was later extended to March 1996, and now will continue for another five years. The office played a key role in developing the equity formula for settling outstanding treaty land entitlements in Saskatchewan. The TLE framework agreement was signed in 1992 and some 28 agreements have been reached with 12 First Nations.

A new treaty commissioner has yet to be appointed.