Saskatchewan News Briefs [August]

Bands assert rights at Porcupine Plain
Provincial Forest

A peaceful occupation from August 9-15 at the Porcupine Provincial Forest was staged by surrounding bands frustrated by a failure to consult with them in plans to extract resources from their traditional land.

“First Nations are increasingly becoming concerned with the impacts of resource development within their ancestral territories,” stated Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish in the release. “(They) are asserting their rights to the land and resources, Treaty rights and inherent rights, in many cases, rights that have not been honored.”

Chief Whitefish called on the Province to give protection status to these regions that are home to various First Nation sacred sites and burial grounds. As well, Yellowquill First Nation Chief Larry Cachene stated the lands are used for hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering and spiritual purposes and he opposes the province’s plan to open up the area for mineral exploration and extraction.

NDP critic Warren McCall noted in a separate release that the Sask Party government continuously pushes down on its priority list, a commitment to form productive working relationships with First Nations and Métis in its duty-to-consult. McCall stated the “government’s track record on the issue was dismal” and “it is not the first instance of a First Nations protest against the misplaced priorities of the government.”

Environmental conference attracts youth and Elders

A conference focused on the environment was held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park from August 9-12. The event, called ‘Only a Matter of Time Environmental Gathering’ was held by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and had participants talk about the various topics relating to the environment.

“Saskatchewan’s economy is booming,” FSIN Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish told media. “But what’s at stake and how are the water and trees being affected?”

Approximately 150 youth and 50 Elders attended the conference and came from Aboriginal communities around the province. They camped for three nights in the teepee village at the park.

New Minister appointed for INAC

The Honourable John Duncan, former Parliamentary Secretary for Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) and MP for Vancouver Island North, has been named the new INAC Minister, replacing Minister Chuck Strahl.

In separate releases, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Guy Lonechild stated they look forward to a new working relationship with the federal government.

“I am well acquainted with John Duncan,” stated Chief Atleo. “We have worked together in the past and I look forward to working with him in his new role. I extend an invitation for us to meet as soon as possible to begin setting out an agenda aimed at building stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.”

Chief Lonechild commended the departing Minister Strahl for his efforts, particularly during First Nations University governance changes and anticipates a smooth transition with Duncan’s knowledge of the Indian Affairs file. He is further encouraged by some of the Duncan’s comments in the House of Commons regarding First Nations issues.

Youth gather to mourn victims of sex trade

On August 14, the official provincially designated ‘Day of Mourning’, a group of people gathered at the Pleasant Hill Park in Saskatoon to remember victims of the sex trade.

 “We organize this event every year to remember the victims, to support the families left behind, and to give strength back into the community,” said a press release issued by the event’s youth organizing committee. “The event also helps to educate people about the root causes of the sex trade, while educating high-risk youth about the very real dangers involved.”

In its 11th year – the event had special guest speakers delivering greetings, including His Honor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Chief Clive Weighill of the Saskatoon Police and City Councillor Pat Lorje. Participants had prayers, memorials, Elder blessings, a candlelight vigil and marched down 20th and 21st Streets through a predominant area of the sex trade.

The group of at-risk Saskatoon youth brought the event into action 11 years ago after being inspired by the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl who was exploited through the sex trade and murdered in Calgary.

Muskeg Lake closes senior home
The Muskeg Lake First Nation was forced to shut down its Elders’ Home on August 6, after the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) cut its operational funds.
 “In a time where Canada faces a crisis in providing care for our rapidly aging population, the suspension of operations at the Elders Care Home leaves a gap for providing such needed care for this unique group of older adults,” stated Chief Cliff Tawpisin in a news release.

“We think the lack of financial support from (INAC) shows a lack of commitment to those Elders who wish to remain in their home communities where they are cared for compassionately by their fellow community members,” he added.

After the 30-bed facility closed its doors, Elders were faced with the prospects of being transferred to another senior home or staying with relatives.

Transitional housing in Prince Albert
A newly renovated transitional housing facility in Prince Albert will give homeless people some much-needed support, thanks to a government funding earmarked for that purpose.

On July 14, MP for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchhill Rob Clarke, announced $179,000 will go to Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation to provide the support services in its renovated 17-unit transitional housing facility. Support services, case management and housing placements will be offered at the facility.

“The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is honored to be involved in this partnership,” said Chief Darrell McCallum. “Together with the Government of Canada, local businesses, and our Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation communities, we are creating a continuum of housing for Prince Albert residents.”

The funds come from the Government of Canada’s ‘Homelessness Partnering Strategy’, a community based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 communities across Canada.