Fontaine, Bird Ready To Work With Prentice

Fontaine, Bird Ready To Work With Prentice

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 13:43

Two high-profile First Nations leaders are congratulating the new minister of Indian Affairs on his appointment.

Jim Prentice takes over from the Liberals’ Andy Scott.

Assembly of First Nations chief Phil Fontaine says Prentice has solid experience in First Nations issues, and has demonstrated a willingness to work with First Nations to further understand and advance those issues.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chief Alphonse Bird says he’s looking forward to having meaningful discussions with Prentice — noting his group has been promised open lines of communication with the new government.

The FSIN has invited Prentice to attend its next legislative assembly in March in Saskatoon.

Bird says that will be a great opportunity for the new minister to begin the dialogue on the crucial issues First Nations are facing here in Saskatchewan.