Sage News Briefs - May

More funds for resource and energy program

First Nations and Métis communities in the province can expect to be more ‘business ready’ in the next three years as the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is expanding resource and energy program with a $3.7 million boost in funds.

Minister of INAC, Chuck Strahl, stated in an April press release that the contribution to Westcap Mgt Ltd brings help to eight additional First Nation and Métis communities to take part in the company’s Business Ready Investment Development Gateway (BRIDG) initiative.

“The overwhelming interest by Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis communities to participate in the BRIDG program is a positive sign of the need, desire and recognition that better governance and business readiness practices are vital to create sustainable wealth in the future,” stated Westcap Mgt. Ltd President and CEO, Grant Kook. “We look forward to working closely with the 17 groundbreaking Aboriginal communities over the next three years as they can become successful participants in Saskatchewan’s growing resource and energy sector.”

As one of the four pilot projects funded by the government last year to help Aboriginal communities partner with important economic development and energy projects countrywide, BRIDG can now extend to eight more communities with the new funds.

Grand opening of TRC office in Winnipeg

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) revealed their new offices located in downtown Winnipeg on April 8.

Indian Residential School (IRS) students, Aboriginal leaders and local dignitaries were welcomed to tour the new space, which includes a Survivors Room.

“We’ve heard from so many former students who are working to overcome the challenges of living with the IRS legacy, that they need a place that will provide a sense of honour to them and to their history, and we believe the Survivors Room will do that,” said TRC Chair Justice Murray Sinclair in a press release.

The grand opening also provided an advance look at the National Event that will take place from June 16 to 20 at Festival Parks in Winnipeg.

The TRC is referring to the event as one of the largest oral history projects by Aboriginal peoples.

The National Event will be a platform where individuals can provide a statement of their IRS experiences directly to the TRC.

Environment Ministry terminates partnership agreement with FSIN

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish is not happy at all with the Ministry of Environment’s decision to terminate a 16-year old partnership agreement with the federation effective March 31.
The protocol agreement made sure there was a cooperative relationship between First Nations and the Province on matters respecting the land, environment and the management of wildlife resources. The agreement oversaw a Bi-Lateral Task Force that served as a forum to discuss these matters and as a measure for resolving issues before they became problematic.

After the Sask Party was questioned in legislature by NDP critic, Sandra Morin, for its lack of sensitivity for First Nations shown in actions such as this, Environment Minister Donna Heppner said the ministry chose to terminate the agreement after they found out funds were being used to pay FSIN staff, which did not fit with the ministry’s mandate.

An FSIN press release states the federation will strive to keep supporting First Nations in getting the Province to respect their legal and constitutional obligations as it relates to duty to consult and accommodate.

Launch of 1885 celebration events
 
With 2010 designated ‘The Year of the Métis’, a number of events are being planned throughout the year. An April 29 launch of the 125th anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance gave the public an idea of celebration events to expect. The Saskatoon launch was attended by Saskatchewan Premiere Brad Wall, Vice Chief Morley Watson, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) President Robert Doucette, and MN-S Senator Dave Tkachuk.

“By commemorating this 125th anniversary, we are illustrating how our history affects our lives today, and how it will continue to shape Saskatchewan’s future,” said Wall referring to the launch, events to follow, as well as the ‘Trails of 1885’ project.

‘Trails of 1885’ is a conglomeration of sites, locations, festivals and events that explains the historic period of 1885, which is an important part of Canadian history that also played a part in creating the province of Saskatchewan.

The project is co-coordinated by Saskatchewan West Central Tourism Region with support from Tourism Saskatchewan, Western Economic Diversification, the Province, and Tourism Saskatoon.

Historically themed and culturally vibrant activities are set to occur at many of the province’s sites throughout 2010. Events during the summer include the Battle of Duck Lake, an enhanced ‘Back to Batoche Days’, a re-enactment of the Battle of Poundmaker Hill and other events at Batoche National Historic Site, Steele Narrows, Fort Pitt and Fort Carleton Provincial Parks.

Aboriginal Affairs Working Group develop action plans

Commitments to improve education and economic development opportunities – and to work towards ending violence against Aboriginal females – were made at the second meeting of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) on April 28.

“The priority areas being addressed by this working group are of great concern to Métis Nation citizens,” said Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier, “By embracing a distinctions-based approach, I am confident we will continue making progress in finding practical, Métis-specific measures to achieve concrete results.”

The group pledged to develop specific action plans to target education, economic development and violence against Aboriginal women and female youth, which will be presented at an August meeting of the Council of the Federation and leaders of national Aboriginal organizations.

Representing the federal government at the meeting was Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Chuck Strahl.

Along with Saskatchewan Minister of First Nation and Métis Relations, Bill Hutchinson, Minister Strahl pointed to Métis initiatives the government is supporting, including a recent contribution of $5 million to Saskatchewan’s Clarence Campeau Development Fund for a new Métis Energy and Resource Program. Strahl told AAWG participants it is meant to increase Métis participation in the resource and energy sectors.

MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels, and has roughly 350,000-400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada.

Compiled by Christine Fiddler