Saskatchewan Briefs - April

Lawrence Joseph vying for MP to represent north

Former chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Lawrence Joseph, has announced he will run for MP in the upcoming election for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchhill region.

At two press conferences in La Ronge and Prince Albert, he stated he will represent the New Democrats Party, deciding to run after the party’s leader, Jack Layton, approached him about the possibility.

Some of the issues the Big River First Nation band member said he would focus on are housing, employment, environment, suicide and Aboriginal representation.

Joseph has held leadership positions as chief and vice-chief of the FSIN for the past twelve years before being replaced by current Chief Guy Lonechild in an October 2009 election. Prior to that he served Prince Albert as a city councilor and a public school board trustee.

First Nation leaders of Mosquito charged with stealing TLE funds

Five band members of the Mosquito First Nation face charges of fraud, theft and forgery of monies the band received for Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE).

The band was paid $9.6 million in a 1992 TLE agreement, that required the band to purchase at least 20,096 acres of land or invest in economic development projects. No records show they met that requirement.
The charges against Clarence Stone, Clifford Lawrence Spyglass, Gerald Arthur Bird, Alphonse Peter Moosomin, and Eldon Edward Starchief were heard on March 31 at the North Battleford Provincial Court.

Chief Clarence Stone, 57, is facing charges of theft and fraud over $5,000.

Councilor Clifford Lawrence Spyglass, 47, faces charges of Criminal Breach of Trust, Theft and Fraud over $5,000, Forgery and Uttering a forged document.

Also charged each with Criminal Breach of Trust are Gerald Arthur Bird, 57, Alphonse Peter Moosomin, 68, and Eldon Edward Starchief, 53.

The charges were a result of a 5-year investigation by the Criminal Crime Section of the Saskatoon Office and the North Battleford Detachment.

First Nation health conference covers various topics
First Nation health workers gathered for a Health and Wellness conference in Saskatoon from March 23-25 called ‘Working Together for Better Health and Wellness’ to learn about issues affecting the health of First Nations in the province.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief E. Dutch Lerat said it was a time to discuss topics such as HIV, Mental Health and Addictions, Diabetes & Cancer, and the Jordan’s Principle.

“The FSIN recognizes the health issues from diabetes, HIV, and suicide affecting First Nations people and their communities,” stated Vice Chief Lerat.

“This year’s gathering expresses the Federation’s commitment to assisting our communities in addressing these many issues that exist and making a positive difference in our communities.”

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations across Saskatchewan.

Province’s Aboriginal Women organization re-elects President

The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation held an election for a new president on March 28 at their annual gathering in Regina.

Re-elected to lead the organization was Judy Hughes, who was one of the founders of the organization along with Sandra Miller, Cheryl Quewazance, and Gina Toutsaint.

“SAWCC continues to be the only provincial voice for Aboriginal women in Saskatchewan and I look forward to the growth ahead during my three year term as President,” stated Hughes.

“I believe that a wholistic approach to the well-being of Aboriginal women, our families and our communities can create opportunities that will improve all aspects of our lives,” she added.

SAWCC’s overall mandate is to promote and enhance the status of Aboriginal women by addressing the issues of education, advocacy, research, and resource sharing.