The University of Saskatchewan is giving former Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Blaine Favel an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree.
Favel is receiving this distinction for significant contributions to scholarship, education, public service and the Canadian public good.
He served as chief of the Poundmaker Cree Nation from 1992 to 1994, before taking over as chief of the FSIN from 1994 to 1998.
As leader of the FSIN, Favel signed the agreement with the province creating the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which has resulted in First Nations ownership of casinos in the province.
In 1996, Favel implemented the Treaty Implementation Process under the supervision of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner with the federal and provincial governments.
That same year, Favel established the First Nations Bank of Canada — the country’s first bank owned and operated by First Nations people — in partnership with the TD Bank.