RezX Cover Story: The Four Extended Interview

CONTINUED INTERVIEW FROM REZX SPRING ISSUE COVER STORY: THE FOUR 

(to start from the beginning of article, read “The Women of The Four Take on Current Issues” on Page 14 in the digital edition here)

RezX: With the exception of Vice-Chief Kimberly Jonathan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) has always been led by men since its inception. So here’s a scenario, what if the roles were reversed and you were all Vice-Chiefs of FSIN. What portfolio would each of you hold and what would you do differently? 

Bevann Fox: My priority would be Lands, and not from an Aboriginal Affairs  or Ottawa perspective, but from the reserves, and develop them in their own language, whether it’s Saulteaux or Cree.

Shannon Fayant: Because I have a background in education and administration, I would talk with band schools and where see where they are. (For example,) we just had La Ronge (First Nation school) come down and visit us at (Albert Scott Collegiate) and they were amazed by how many partnerships we have developed there. It really does take more than the educators educating. We also need to address the graduation rates and making recommendations with a plan to support students in the public schools. systems. You are the advocates for the students that are not succeeding. I know both worlds and would be able to put policies in place and utilize them to (bridge the graduation gap.)

Bevann Fox: I’d also like to add housing and election acts (to my portfolio).

Robyn Morin: You don’t get any more say! (Laughing while waiting for her turn)

Robyn Morin: I would like the Health and Wellness portfolio…Our people are still healing. In all reality, we’re only the second generation away from residential schools and it’s going to take seven generations to heal. So how can we assist each other? How can we support one another? Ultimately, we can have all the options available to us, but it’s us who makes that choice. So how can we be supportive?

Shannon Fayant:  I think – if we are really the FSIN – as women we will support each other. And we use each other as a sounding board.  Because it’s not about my ego, it’s about these are my ideas and critically helping me look at the pros and cons all the way through and then let’s make an informed decision and then somebody will always add something to that. What’s good for our children and our community is first and foremost.

Shauneen Pete,:  I think we need a radical retooling of the entire organization. It’s not good enough to place women in old roles, roles that were established by men. I would love to see the portfolios include Families and Communities, tasked with empowering our individual families and communities. I’d also like to see something that addresses Social Impacts. So really trying to address the multiple issues of poverty, housing, justice issues, all integrated. Because these are holistic systems that serve to disempower us and I think we need a new structure to challenge those ideals…one that addresses our holistic needs.

Catch the “The Four” Tuesday’s at 7 p.m. on Access 7, with reruns on Sundays at 5 p.m.