FSIN Chief Stands His Ground

FSIN Chief Stands His Ground

Friday, February 11, 2011 at 14:35

 

 

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he’s not stepping down.

 

Guy Lonechild says it’s up to the chiefs of Saskatchewan to make that decision.

 

The Senate Working Group of the FSIN says it has lost confidence in Lonechild after recent revelations of his legal trouble.

 

Senator Roland Crowe says the group lost confidence in Lonechild because it feels he doesn’t have the principles to lead the FSIN.

 

It was recently learned that Lonechild was charged with impaired driving and failing to stop for police a month and a half before he was elected chief of the FSIN in 2009.

 

Lonechild eventually pleaded guilty to impaired driving.

 

Crowe says Lonechild would not show the group his declaration forms during a meeting earlier this week.

 

Lonechild says if someone wants him gone, there is a process to decide that at next week’s assembly.

 

But he doesn’t think he should go.

 

The chief adds he was following legal advice when he had his sentencing-hearing set for Rosthern.

 

In hindsight, he says it wasn’t the best decision but there’s nothing he can do about it now.

 

Lonechild adds the issue will be discussed openly at next weeks’ assembly and not behind closed doors in an in-camera session.

 

The assembly begins on Tuesday.