FSIN Eager For Bear Pit Session With Cabinet

FSIN Eager For Bear Pit Session With Cabinet

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 14:30

A frank exchange of comments and concerns will take place tomorrow between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the provincial government.

The Ramada Inn in Regina is the setting for a bear pit session between First Nations leaders and Premier Brad Wall and his cabinet.

The gathering will be unique as chiefs will have a few minutes to ask a question, and the government will get three minutes to respond.

FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild says one of the topics they want to bring up is the cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments for flood relief on reserves.

Lonechild says First Nations aren’t happy with the arrangement, which leaves much of the responsibility up to the province.

He says between $40 million and $60 million is needed to help First Nations stricken by the spring flooding.

Other issues due to be discussed tomorrow include Internet gaming, education, and child welfare.