FSIN Not Budging on New Anti-Smoking Bylaw

FSIN Not Budging on New Anti-Smoking Bylaw

Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 14:53

Saskatchewan’s top Indian chief says First Nations won’t allow themselves to be pushed around by the provincial government when it comes to the issue of smoking on reserves.

Alphonse Bird says he supports the effort to curb smoking amongst youth. However, Bird worries the government will use its new anti-smoking bylaw to begin the process of undermining the sovereignty of First Nations.

During yesterday’s FSIN legislative assembly in Saskatoon, Bird said the threat by government to enforce the new law on reserves appears to be a trial balloon.

Bird says if the government were to follow the issue through to its natural conclusion, First Nations would be nothing more than municipalities at the end of the day.