Cheveldayoff Grilled At FSIN Assembly
Friday, October 29, 2010 at 15:33
The province’s minister of First Nations and Metis Relations was on the hot seat yesterday at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations fall legislative assembly.
Ken Chevaldayoff was forced to answer pointed questions about why the Treaty Entitlement Process wasn’t working for several First Nations.
Sturgeon Lake Chief Wesley Daniels said his band received its TLE settlement in 2008 — but told the minister that, since that time, it has only been allowed by the province to buy 135 acres because of “intervening interests”.
Sakimay Chief Lynn Acoose said she is worried her band will get shut out of the Leech Lake area because it holds potash.
She worries one of the major potash companies will decide to “intervene” in the band’s application.
Meanwhile, the chief of the Little Black Bear First Nation told Cheveldayoff he would like to see an interim measure imposed on the topic of resource revenue.
Perry Bellegarde said bands are still determined to get out from under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement of 1930.
He stressed that First Nations never relinquished control of resources under the depth of a plow and the government should recognize that.
Bellegarde proposed the government insert new measures into the permitting process to ensure First Nations are benefiting from the minerals taken.
Chevaldayoff said he would take Bellegarde’s suggestion back to the government.
Meanwhile, the chief of the English River First Nation has issued an invitation to Cheveldayoff.
Ralph Paul said he wants the minister to visit his area to see first-hand the conditions his people are living in.
Paul said he is weary of talking to bureaucrats about problems in the area.
He added he is also tired of hearing the province congratulate itself for successes enjoyed by First Nations near major cities.
The chief says issues facing northern residents in his area are remarkably different than those in reserves in southern Saskatchewan — and the province shouldn’t confuse the two.
Cheveldayoff said he would try to honour the chief’s request.