Attempt To Suspend FSIN Executive Fails
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 14:26
A motion was put forward to suspend the chief and vice-chiefs of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations during a four-hour closed door session on the final day of the FSIN winter legislative assembly.
Yesterday afternoon, the chiefs met behind closed doors for a second time during the three-day gathering.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas confirms the motion was defeated.
He says chiefs may call an Indian Government Commission meeting to possibly bring forward a compliance audit, which was another resolution up for discussion during the in-camera session.
Thomas says pursuing a compliance audit does not necessarily mean there is anything bad happening at the executive level — he says it would ensure everyone is following standards.
It was believed chiefs were discussing a resolution that could have seen the process for a non-confidence motion sped up — stemming from the lack of confidence some chiefs have in Chief Guy Lonechild’s leadership.
Thomas says there is now more clarity around how to pursue such a motion, but says one has not been put forward yet.
It appears Lonechild might want to get a legal opinion about some of the resolutions passed at this week’s assembly.
He talked about the attempt to suspend him and his executive during the closing remarks portion of yesterday’s assembly.
Lonechild said he is particularly troubled by a resolution that could see executive members removed through a simple majority vote by other chiefs.
He said it would be dangerous to try and set up a system where a few chiefs could suddenly have the ability to remove a member of the executive during an assembly.
Lonechild said it would place too much power in the hands of a few chiefs, while removing the voice of councillors and headmen.
He added it might be a good idea to get a lawyer to look at the situation before any of the resolutions are signed off.
Lonechild also said he is fine with another resolution that was passed aimed at bringing closer scrutiny to members of the executive, adding he has nothing to hide.