Youth added to 2011 Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) executive

Two new, youthful faces have joined the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

At the fall Legislative Assembly, Simon Bird from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation was elected Fourth Vice-Chief with 553 votes, defeating Orrin Greyeyes who had 155 and Guy Lariviere with 135.

Bird became emotional after winning, pausing as he acknowledged his wife of 11 years, Naomi.

“We’ve been affected by so many things in alcohol,” he noted. “For those that know my family, we’ve directly been impacted, things that break families apart. We feel the hurt... we’ve seen it first-hand. It’s only by the support of our people that really bring us up from when we’re down.”

Bird said there is so much negativity surrounding the FSIN, and said the positive things in First Nations country need to be celebrated.

“I encourage you today: when you have your leaders, support them. If they do something wrong, tell them. We cannot just point fingers without having to really bring them up from the grassroots level,” he said.

Bird believes the FSIN can be revitalized and re-energized, particularly through working with Elders and youth and rebuilding trust.

“If we don’t revitalize, reunite and refocus this institution, I’m sorry, but we’ve got nobody else to blame but ourselves,” he said.

Bird, who has a Master’s in Education and has never held political office, will be handling the portfolios of Education and Training; Sports, Culture and Recreation; Urban Development; and the Youth Council.

Bobby Cameron, of Witchekan First Nation, won Office of the Second Vice-Chief on the second ballot. He earned 469 votes, defeating four other candidates, including Doreen Day-Wapass, who was seeking to become the FSIN’s first woman on the executive.

“My heart’s just racing, my friends, my family, my people,” said Cameron as he let out a big sigh of relief.
“The many miles, the many nights slept in my truck, the many friends I made along the way, the many Elders I sat and talked with. The many laughs I shared with them. The many good times just sitting, listening, looking at the features on their faces. I’m humbled...I’m at a loss of words, folks. I’m just so happy, elated,” said Cameron.
Cameron believes he and Bird combined with Lerat and Watson will make a good team.

Cameron has the portfolios of Justice and Community Safety as well as Lands and Resources. He is also the Vice-Chief responsible for working with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.

Photo: Darla Read