Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations facts for kids
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is an important organization for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. It used to be called the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. The FSIN represents 74 First Nations communities in Saskatchewan. Its main goal is to honor and protect the promises made in the Numbered Treaties many years ago. They work to promote, protect, and carry out these agreements.
Contents
How FSIN Started
Before the FSIN, there were other groups working for First Nations people. In 1919, the Indian League of Canada was formed. This group held a meeting in Saskatchewan in 1921 at the Thunderchild First Nation. Later, in 1929, the League of Indians of Western Canada was created. John Tootoosis from the Poundmaker First Nation was its first president.
In 1933, some First Nations from Treaty #4, like Pasqua, Piapot, and Muscowpetung, formed a group called the Allied Bands. This group later became the Saskatchewan Treaty Protection Association. In 1943, the Association of Saskatchewan Indians was formed by Joe Dreaver. It quickly became a large group representing First Nations in the province.
The Premier of Saskatchewan, T.C. Douglas, wanted to help unite these groups. In 1946, Chiefs and leaders met in Fort Qu'Appelle. They combined their groups to form the Union of Saskatchewan Indians. John Tootoosis became its president. This union brought together the Protective Association for the Indians and their Treaties and the Association of Saskatchewan Indians.
In 1958, First Nations leaders met again in Fort Qu'Appelle. They created a new organization called the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. They decided it would be a group of different First Nations communities, and the Chiefs would hold the power. In April 1982, at a big meeting of 69 Saskatchewan Indian Chiefs, the organization changed its name to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). This meeting happened at the same time the Canadian Constitution was signed. The FSIN set up a governing structure with a Chiefs-in-Assembly, a Senate, an Elders' Council, and other groups.
In May 2016, the Chiefs-in-Assembly voted to change the name again to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. They kept the same short name, FSIN.
Early Work and Goals
The FSIN and the groups before it always aimed to protect treaty rights, land, and resources. They also wanted to help their people grow in areas like business, education, and social well-being.
Land and Farming
Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP)
In the past, government rules made it hard for First Nations people to farm. The Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP) was created to help. SIAP gave First Nations farmers control and taught them about farming. It helped them gain skills in agriculture.
SIAP was started in the 1970s by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture, the University of Saskatchewan, and the Department of Indian and Northern Development. It was officially funded in 1975 and became a company in 1978. SIAP aimed to encourage interest in farming, create successful farms, and improve reserve lands.
Alex Kennedy, a First Nations farmer, was an early leader of SIAP. He believed farming could help Indigenous communities regain land and build their own farming economy. SIAP offered education and training in farming techniques and business skills. By 1989, SIAP had expanded into growing wild rice, alfalfa, and even raising animals like deer and buffalo. At its best, SIAP helped create 600 successful farms and set up companies for marketing and loans.
- The Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP) - 4H Program also organized and funded a successful "Indian 4-H" program for young people.
- SIAP Marketing Co. Inc. was a company that marketed wild rice. It later became Grey Owl Marketing.
- SIAP also created the Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company (SILCO). This company gave loans to First Nations farmers.
Treaties
Saskatchewan includes lands from several important agreements called the numbered treaties. These include Treaty 4 (1874), Treaty 5 (1875–76), Treaty 6 (1876), Treaty 8 (1899–1900), and Treaty 10 (1906–07).
For many years, the FSIN worked to be recognized and included in discussions about the Constitution of Canada. In April 1982, the same month the Constitution was signed, First Nations leaders signed the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Convention. They agreed to work together to protect their Treaty rights and their unique ways of life.
In 1989, the FSIN and the Government of Canada created the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. This office researches and gives advice on issues like treaty land rights and education for First Nations in Saskatchewan. This office still exists today.
Education and Community
Colleges
SIAP offered farming courses, sometimes at the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College or the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.
The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College started in 1972. It is now called the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC). It was created to teach and support First Nations education and culture. It was the first educational institution controlled by First Nations at a provincial level.
The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College was proposed in 1971 and opened in 1976. It joined with the University of Regina that same year. It offered programs in Indian Studies, Indian Art, Indian Education, and more. In 2003, its name changed to the First Nations University of Canada. It has a new vision: to provide a place for all students to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values.
The Saskatchewan Indian Community College was founded in 1976. It focused on adult education and job training. In 1985, its name changed to Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). In 2000, the province recognized SIIT as a full post-secondary school.
Important Publications
The FSIN and its earlier forms have published many works. These publications share information about their history and efforts. The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre has many of these items in its library catalogue.
- The Saskatchewan Indian journal was published from 1970 to at least 2011. It covered important topics for First Nations people.
- In July 1979, the Saskatchewan Indian published an issue called The Constitutional Journey. It talked about Indigenous efforts to be part of the discussions about the Constitution.
- The April 1982 "Constitution Special Issue" was published on the same day the Constitution of Canada was signed. It explained the history and efforts of Indigenous people to be included in Canada's independence process.
- Principles of Indian Government, 1975 and/or 1977.
- The First Nations: Indian Government and the Canadian Confederation, edited by Delia Opekokew, 1980.
- The First Nations: Indian Government and the Community of Man, by Delia Opekokew, 1982.
- Nēhiyaw nikamona: songs in Cree and English, by Freda Ahenakew, 1986.
- Our language, our survival, by Freda Ahenakew and Shirley M. Fredeen, 1987.
Economy
The Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation was started in 1986. It is now called the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, Inc.. It helps First Nations businesses grow. In 2002–03, it joined with SIAP's Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company and another company called Inpro West Investment Corporation.
Special Recognitions
The Chiefs Assembly honored Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane. She was recognized for her many achievements and for being Canada's first female First Nations Chief. She was Chief of The Key First Nation.
Leaders of FSIN
Here are some of the past presidents and chiefs of the FSI and FSIN:
- John Tootoosis (1958–1961)
- David Knight (1961–1964)
- Wilfred Bellegarde (1964–66)
- Walter Deiter (1966–68)
- David Ahenakew (1968–1978)
- Albert Bellegarde (1978–1979)
- Sol Sanderson (1979–1986)
- Roland Crowe (1986–1994)
- Blaine Favel (1994–1998)
- Perry Bellegarde (1998–2003)
- Alphonse Bird (2003–2006)
- Lawrence Joseph (2006–2009)
- Guy Lonechild (2009–2011)
- Morley Watson, interim (2011–2012)
- Perry Bellegarde (2012–2014)
- Kim Jonathan, interim (2014–2015)
- Bobby Cameron (2015–present)
List of Saskatchewan First Nations
Piapot First Nation|| Zehner|| Nil|| Nil|| Nil|| Nil
| Name | Location | Population | Language | Number | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry the Kettle First Nation | 53 miles East of Regina along the TransCanada #1 Highway | 2387 (850 on reserve, 1537 off reserve | Nakota (Assiniboine) | 378 | 15 km x 13 km |
| Cowesses First Nation | 20 kilometres North of Broadview, off highway #1 | 3526 (712 on reserve) | Cree, Salteaux, English | 73 | 8 miles x 12 miles |
| Fishing Lake First Nation | Near Wadena | 1500 | Saulteaux | 390 | 233 acres |
| George Gordon First Nation | 8 km from Punnichy, 125 km NE of Regina | 3106 (1100 on reserve) | Cree and Saulteaux | 86 | 145 square km |
| Kahkewistahaw First Nation | 150 km east of Regina | Nil | Saulteaux, Cree | 362 | Nil |
| Kawacatoose First Nation | Near Raymore, Quinton, Punnichy | 2746 (731 on reserve, 115 rural towns, 1900 urban / off reserve) | Cree and Ojibway | 88 | 6 square km + 12,200 acres purchased land |
| Lac la Ronge First Nation | Multi-Community: Reserves at La Ronge, Stanley Mission, Grandmother's Bay, Little Red River, Sucker River and Hall Lake. | 8,666 | Woodland Cree | 353 | 6 Reserve Communities and 18 Separate Reserve lands, with a total land mass of 107,001 acres. The acreage of each reserve ranges from .49 acres to 34,955 acres. |
| Piapot First Nation | 50 km NE of Regina in the Qu'Appelle Valley | 2020 (580 on reserve) | Cree | 385 | 6 miles x 5 miles |
| Sakimay First Nation | 100 km E of Regina | 1412 | Nakawe (Saulteaux) | 364 | Nil |
| Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation | Qu'Appelle Valley | 1,111 | Dakota | 386 | 2,246.1 hectares |
| Poundmaker Cree First Nation | North Battleford | 1281 (505 on reserve) | Cree | Nil | Nil |
| Little Pine First Nation | 53 km NW of Battleford | Nil | Plains Cree | Nil | Nil |
| Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head First Nation | 30 km S of Battleford | 1243 (644 on reserve) | Assiniboine | Nil | Nil |
| Lucky Man First Nation | 60 km E of North Battleford near Mayfair | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Day Star First Nation | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| George Gordon First Nation | Nil | Nil | Cree and Saulteaux | Nil | Nil |
| Muskowekwan First Nation | Nil | Nil | Saulteaux | 392 | Nil |
| Whitecap Dakota First Nation | 26 km S of Saskatoon | 521 | Dakota | 372 | 4,913 acres |
| Yellow Quill First Nation | 267 km NE of Saskatoon | Nil | Saulteaux | 376 | 5,926.4 hectares |
| Big River First Nation | Debden | Nil | Cree | 404 | 119.648 km2 |
| Pelican Lake First Nation | Leaville | Nil | Nil | Nil | 191 |
| Witchekan First Nation | Spiritwood | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Ahtahkakoop First Nation | Shell Lake | 3,661 | Cree | 104 | 42,866 acres |
| Moosomin First Nation | Cochin | Nil | Cree | 112 | 50,000 acres |
| Red Pheasant First Nation | Cando | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Sweetgrass First Nation | Gallivan | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Young Chippewayan First Nation | Gallivan | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Little Black Bear First Nation | Goodeve | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Muscowpetung First Nation | Fort Qu'Appelle | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Nekaneet First Nation | Maple Creek | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Okanese First Nation | Balcarres | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Pasqua First Nation | Fort Qu'Appelle | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Peepeekisis First Nation | Balcarres | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Standing Buffalo First Nation | Fort Qu'Appelle | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Star Blanket First Nation | Balcarres | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Wood Mountain First Nation | Assiniboia | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Birch Narrows First Nation | Turnor Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Buffalo River First Nation | Dillon | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Canoe Lake First Nation | Canoe Narrows | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Clearwater River Dene First Nation | La Loche | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| English River First Nation | Patuanak | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Flying Dust First Nation | Meadow Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Island Lake First Nation | Loon Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation | Loon Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Waterhen Lake First Nation | Waterhen Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Opawakoscikan First Nation | Prince Albert | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Black Lake Denesuline First Nation | Black Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Cumberland House Cree First Nation | Cumberland House | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Fond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation | Fond Du Lac | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation | Wollaston Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| James Smith First Nation | Melfort | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Montreal Lake Cree First Nation | Montreal Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Peter Ballantyne Cree First Nation | Pelican Narrows | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Red Earth First Nation | Red Earth | on reserve population of approximately 1,300 members and 300 members residing off the reserve. | Cree | Nil | Nil |
| Shoal Lake First Nation | Pakwaw Lake | Nil | Cree | Nil | Nil |
| Sturgeon Lake First Nation | Shellbrook | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Wahpetan Dakota First Nation | Prince Albert | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation | Tisdale | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Mistawasis First Nation | Leask | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Muskeg Lake Cree First Nation | Marcelin | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Muskoday First Nation | Muskoday | Nil | Nil | Cree | Nil |
| One Arrow First Nation | Bellevue | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Ochapowace First Nation | Whitewood | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| White Bear First Nation | Carlyle | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Cote First Nation | Kamsack | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Kahkewistahaw First Nation | Broadview | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Keeseekoose First Nation | Kamsack | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Key First Nation | Norquay | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Ocean Man First Nation | Stoughton | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation | Duck Lake | 3,520 (approx. 1,400 O/R) | Plains Cree | #97&96 | 50,274.97 |
| Big Island First Nation | Pierceland | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Chacachas First Nation | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Chakastapaysin First Nation | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Onion Lake Cree Nation | Onion Lake | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Peter Chapman First Nation | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation | 10 km north of Kisbey | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Saulteaux First Nation | Cochin | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Thunderchild First Nation | Turtleford | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
See also
