FSIN hosting fish and wildlife conference

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The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will be hosting the 11th annual Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Conference next summer in Saskatoon.

"We are expecting more than 700 delegates from across North America, including many Canadian First Nations People," said FSIN Chief Roland Crowe.

American representative Don Sampson of the Fish and Wildlife Society says the theme of the conference will be Unity of First Nations: Protecting Traditional Rights and Resources.

"We want First Nations across the continent to recognize their unique relationship to the land. We hope this conference will be part of the development of a new vision for managing fish and wildlife resources, as well as other natural resources," said Sampson, the Society's northwestern representative on its board of directors.

Keith Annis of Montana and plains regional director stressed that the conference will help first nations develop expertise and experience and a professional approach to resource management based on traditional culture and knowledge.

"First Nations have a tremendous contribution to make in resource management because they have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years," he said.

Chief Crowe noted that Saskatchewan First Nations have a unique approach to traditional resource management.

"Our people, especially our Elders, know how to co-exist with Mother Earth and we hope this conference will be a forum for sharing that traditional wisdom," he said.