FSIN Chief Looking For Promises From Tories

FSIN Chief Looking For Promises From Tories

Friday, November 25, 2005 at 15:22

The Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he wants to hear commitments from the Conservative Party about what it will do for First Nations if elected.

Alphonse Bird says he’s encouraged by this week’s announcement that the federal government will give residential school survivors $2 million in compensation.

Bird is attending the First Minister’s Summit in Kelowna B.C., and says he’s looking forward to hearing more commitments by Ottawa for First Nations.

However, at the same time, he says he wants assurances from the Conservative Party that they won’t drop the ball on this front, if elected.

He says more announcements will need to happen over the next few years to keep the ball rolling on developments for First Nations, and he wants the Tories’ pledge that they will make that happen if they come to power.

Bird adds economic development is something that hasn’t been talked about at this week’s conference yet, but he is eagerly anticipating what may happen for Indian bands.