Saskatchewan News Briefs - November

Northern First Nations agree to oil exploration

Four northern Saskatchewan First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November that allows them to partake in new opportunities within the oil sector.

Chiefs of the Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake Cree, Cold Lake First Nation, and Waterhen Lake First Nation have all agreed to a business venture that will see oil extracted from the Primrose Air Weapons Range. The area stretches across the Alberta and Saskatchewan borders, with the value and amount of oil resources currently unknown.

The four member First Nations gained access rights to the area in 2002, with Canoe Lake and Cold Lake First Nations the only two that hold mineral access rights to the Albertan and Saskatchewan sides of the range. A steering committee will be appointed by the First Nations to oversee goals outlined by the memorandum and report on progress in one years time.

Growing need for First Nations foster families

With approximately 3600 First Nations children in foster care off-reserve, only 63 First Nations foster homes are available compared to 704 non First Nations homes, reports the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).

“Eighty percent of children in the provincial welfare system are First Nations children,” stated FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Lerat in a release. “It’s critical for our children to be nurtured and cared for where there is strong influence of our culture, traditions and community.”

The FSIN encourages more First Nations families to become active foster families in the province in recognition of ‘National Foster Families Week’ from Oct. 19-23. Chief Lerat expressed his appreciation to those who have opened their homes to First Nations children in recent years.

FNUC appoints new board of governors
A group of nine individuals have been chosen to lead the First Nations University of Canada(FNUC) as the new board of governors. They replace the Interim Board to provide stable governance for the long-term sustainability of FNUC. Della Anaquod, Peter D. Carlton, Gladys Christiansen, Claudette Commanda, Peter Homenuck, George E. Lafond, John G. Paul, David Sharpe and Jocelyne Wasacase-Merasty were chosen to lead the board for their vast combined experience.

Anaquod, a band member of Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation, has worked in the education field for 20 years and is currently the Dean of Basic Education at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technologies.

Peter D. Carton serves as a Commissioner on the Sask. Financial Services Commission with a background in all areas of retail, commercial and Aboriginal banking. He also holds 30 years of experience with the Royal Bank of Canada.

Gladys Christiansen of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has over 30 years of experience in the area of First Nations education as an educator, administrator and leader.  
Claudette Commanda is from the Algonquin Nation in Quebec and has dedicated the last 23 years to promote First Nations people, history, and culture at the university level as a student, professor and chair of the Aboriginal Education Council. She is currently the executive director of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, a national organization focused on First Nations culture, languages and traditional knowledge.

Peter Homenuck is a Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies at York University and a professional planner. He has over 30 years combined experience teaching at the university level and consulting with First Nations on a range of strategic, economic, and environmental projects.

George E. Lafond is from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and has been involved in First Nations education, community development, and leadership for over 30 years. As well, he has served on several boards, community organizations and special initiatives.
John G. Paul is the executive director of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat Inc. in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He has worked towards positive change for First Nations communities in diverse policy areas for more than 24 years and offers his expertise to advance First Nations issues in the areas of social well being, health, housing, education, and economic development.

David Sharpe is a member of the Ontario Bar and the Chief Compliance Officer and Vice-President, Legal with one of Canada’s largest investment fund/wealth management companies. He was the previous Head of Investigations at a national investment Self-Regulatory Organization.

Jocelyne Wasacase-Merasty is the Prairie Regional Manager for the National Centre for First Nations Governance and has 14 years experience in communications, public relations, marketing and First Nations governance. She is a member of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and a former student of the First Nations University of Canada(formerly the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College).

Commenting on the new Board of Governors in a release, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild said he is confident the group has the vision and experience to guide the university to becoming a world-class institution for higher learning.

“I thank the Chiefs of Saskatchewan for contributing to the renewed energy, growth and leadership of this highly valued institution, in line with the needs and aspirations of First Nations people, learners and communities,” Chief Lonechild added.

Muskokwekan to develop potash
A First Nations owned company, Muskowekwan Resources Limited, signed a formal agreement in November with Encanto Potash Corporation, to develop and operate a potash mine located on 43,000 acres of its reserve land.

“This agreement is a huge step towards economic independence and growth for Muskowekwan First Nations and an opportunity to generate revenues we can re-invest in our future,” Muskowekwan Chief Reginald Bellerose stated in a release.

“While there is a lot of interest in potash, this agreement will work towards the first potash mine located on a Saskatchewan First Nation,” he added.

The agreement is intended to help generate own-source revenue, as well as employment, training and business opportunities for Muskowekwan. The signing will be followed by the preparation of a Canadian Institute of Mining compliant resource technical data analysis and 43-101 report that will evaluate commercial viability of mining potash deposits on Muskowekwan.

Muskowekwan has a current land base of 58,241 acres and is approximately 75 miles northeast of Regina.