Opinion – Bird’s Eye View: FSIN Tell Me How You Care So Much Again?

The FSIN is facing some serious funding issues. According to Perry Bellegarde “Last year, we took a cut of $875,000…and a further $1.1 million will be cut back on April 1. So that’s almost $2 million.”

This has resulted in layoff notices, effective April 1, for 66 employees; admittedly this was most of their staff. They will now have a working budget of $500,000.

Many critics of FSIN feel they have lost touch with its roots, the people of the land, and defending Saskatchewan treaty rights. Maybe the history has prophesied why they are in the dire straits they are in now. The original six commandments of the organization were:

“the protection of treaties and treaty rights; the fostering of progress in First Nations economic, educational and social endeavours; co-operation with civil and religious authorities; constructive criticism and thorough discussion on all matters; the adherence to democratic procedure; and the promotion of respect and tolerance for all people.” (Yale Belanger)

In 1946, when these directions were established, they seemed to be focused on ‘cooperating’ with the country/provinces, not opposing their directions. This included a movement from more traditional systems of Indigenous governance to ‘democratic procedures’…thus voting systems for chiefs and the hierarchy system FSIN uses came about in 1982 (i.e.: Legislative assembly system with senate). Like a Canada Jr. of sorts.

This is not to say FSIN hasn’t done a lot of good – they have. In the 1970’s they fought the ‘white paper’, developed various educational institutions, argued sovereignty as an inherent right, and fought for treaty rights to be recognized. In the 1980’s they helped with the fight for land claims and restitu tion thereof. In the 1990’s they helped establish SIGA and gaming framework.

But that was yesteryear, what have you done for me lately?

Protection of treaty rights? Yeah, we barely even have treaties in Saskatchewan. I can save some tax here and there on reserve land, mainly for a pack of smokes. They have NEVER been upheld and in my opinion, FSIN does little about that.

Economic, educational, and social endeavours? First Nations on reserve rank the lowest in every category that determines human health and happiness. The inner cities don’t fare much better. Nice they can develop industry connections/deals but we are still suffering.

It is this playing ‘nice’ with government that has led to the situation we have today in Saskatchewan. Idle No More had it right, the Government needs to be opposed. FSIN plays in the ballpark of politicians that have no interest in our survival as people groups, they have never really taken AANDC to task on its control over Indigenous lives and what have they gained by playing nice with industry?

I feel bad for the people being laid off, it sucks. But the institution seems to be more a pain in the Indigenous ass than an advocate. Maybe it’s time for a re-write.

Thoughts?

By Jay Bird, Bird’s Eye View

Jay Bird is a regular columnist for RezX Magazine, writing the ‘News around NDN World’ column every issue – a mix of news and opinion. With his own blog here, Bird’s Eye View, Jay likes to share his views on many Aboriginal issues from his own perspective. Bird currently works for the University of Regina and has his own music band as well. On social media, he is mostly known for his sometimes controversial but much needed grass roots point of view on Aboriginal issues.

Disclaimer: The views represented here are that of Jay Bird and Jay Bird only and do not reflect RezX as a company or magazine. This is his own blog to write about a variety of issues from his own perspective.