FSIN Welcomes Ahenakew Back Into The Fold

FSIN Welcomes Ahenakew Back Into The Fold

Monday, March 31, 2008 at 14:43

 

 

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has reinstated disgraced former senator David Ahenakew.

 

The one-time Assembly of First Nations leader was removed from his position with the FSIN five years ago when news broke of the remarks he made to a reporter against Jews.

 

A total of 43 chiefs voted to bring him back on board at a closed-door meeting on Friday — while three chiefs opposed the move.

 

Ahenakew was convicted of wilfully promoting hatred in 2005, before his conviction was overturned.

 

A new trial has since been ordered.

 

It’s scheduled to get underway in the fall.

 

At least one First Nations chief isn’t happy to see Ahenakew return to the FSIN senate.

 

Shoal Lake Cree Nation Marcel Head says he doesn’t think the reinstatement is a very good idea.

 

He acknowledges the former leader did a lot of very good work prior to his 2002 outburst.

 

However, Head worries fallout over his return could drag down the FSIN’s reputation and its work on the treaty file.

 

Head adds the vote to reinstate Ahenakew came as a total surprise to everyone at Friday’s closed-door meeting, and he believes that’s why it passed so easily.

 

He also says he’s not surprised only three chiefs voted against the move.

 

Head says because the vote caught many off guard, most chiefs just went with the flow.