The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations took aim at a few contentious government bills at its legislative assembly in Nipawin this week.
Chiefs in assembly voted to reject the proposed provincial Wildfire Act, as well as the federal government’s safe drinking water bill.
Changes to federal environmental regulations were also panned by the chiefs.
FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron feels Bill C-38, which speeds up the length of time environmental assessments are done, will devastate the land.
Meantime, the FSIN is reporting that there could be a $74-million reduction to the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch by 2015.
Little Black Bear Chief Perry Bellegarde says he is tired of the cuts and wants any future government funding deals to include references to the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to the treaties.
The federation also pointed out there has been a 3% cap on Indian health envelopes since 1990.
The FSIN has also passed a resolution challenging Ottawa’s education policies.
The federation isn’t happy with a plan by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to gather information.
The FSIN says under the data collection system, Ottawa could let information on bands to drift into the hands of third parties.
It says there are no strict measures to control the data or put confidentiality measures over it.
Chaykastaypasin First Nation Chief Calvin Sanderson says he is pleased the federation is considering a human rights challenge through the United Nations on the issue.
The FSIN is also calling on Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan to delay passage of the new system until First Nations are ready.