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 make sure that the promises made in the Numbered Treaties are kept. These treaties were agreements made over a hundred years ago. The FSIN works to protect and carry out these promises.

How the FSIN Started

The FSIN has a long history. Before it became the FSIN, there were other groups that worked to support First Nations people.

• In 1919, the Indian League of Canada was formed. This group held a meeting in Saskatchewan in 1921.
• In 1929, the League of Indians of Western Canada was created. John Tootoosis from the Poundmaker First Nation was its first leader.
• Later, in 1933, a group called the Allied Bands from Treaty #4 First Nations (like Pasqua and Piapot) became the Saskatchewan Treaty Protection Association. This group worked to protect treaties.
• In 1943, the Association of Saskatchewan Indians was formed. It quickly became a large group representing First Nations in the province.

The Premier of Saskatchewan, T.C. Douglas, wanted to help these groups work together. 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.

In 1958, First Nations leaders met again in Fort Qu'Appelle. They created a new organization called the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. This group was set up so that the power stayed with the Chiefs of the communities.

In April 1982, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians changed its name to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. This happened around the same time the Canadian Constitution was signed. The Chiefs agreed to work together to protect their Treaty rights and their unique cultures.

In May 2016, the Chiefs voted to change the name again to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. They kept the short name FSIN.

Protecting Rights and Lands

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 economy, education, and social well-being.

Land and Farming

For a long time, government rules made it hard for First Nations farmers to succeed.

What was SIAP?

The Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP) was created to help First Nations people with farming. It gave them chances to learn about agriculture and gain skills.

SIAP was started by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, along with the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and other groups. It began in the 1970s and was officially set up in 1975.

SIAP wanted to:

• Make farming more interesting for First Nations people.
• Help create successful farms.
• Improve the land on First Nations reserves for farming.

Alex Kennedy, a First Nations farmer, was an early leader of SIAP. He believed farming could help communities get back lands they had leased out. SIAP also offered training courses. These courses taught both farming methods and business skills.

SIAP helped create many successful farms. It also started other companies:

• Indian 4-H Program: SIAP organized and funded a successful program for young people, similar to 4-H clubs, focused on agriculture.
• SIAP Marketing Co. Inc.: This company helped market products like wild rice. It later became Grey Owl Marketing.
• Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company (SILCO): This company provided loans to First Nations farmers.

Treaties and Agreements

Most of Saskatchewan is covered by five main historical agreements called the Numbered Treaties. These are Treaty 4 (1874), Treaty 5 (1875–76), Treaty 6 (1876), Treaty 8 (1899–1900), and Treaty 10 (1906–07).

The FSIN worked for many years to be part of discussions about the Constitution of Canada. In April 1982, the First Nations 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 treaty land and education issues for First Nations in Saskatchewan. This office still exists today.

Education and Learning

The FSIN has played a big role in creating educational institutions for First Nations people.

First Nations Colleges

SIAP offered some farming courses through these colleges.

• Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC): This center was started in 1972. Its goal was to strengthen First Nations education and cultural awareness. It was the first educational institution controlled by First Nations people at a provincial level. Today, it is called the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

• First Nations University of Canada: This university was first proposed in 1971 and opened in 1976 as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. It partnered with the University of Regina. 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 is a special place where students can learn in an environment that respects First Nations cultures and values.

• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT): Started in 1976 as the Saskatchewan Indian Community College, this school focused on adult education. It offered certificates and diplomas in technology and vocational fields. In 1985, its name changed to SIIT. In 2000, it was recognized as a full post-secondary institution.

Important Publications

The FSIN and its earlier forms have published many works. These publications often shared information about First Nations history, rights, and culture.

• The Saskatchewan Indian: This journal was published from 1970 to at least 2011. It covered important topics like the efforts of Indigenous people to be recognized in discussions about the Canadian Constitution. For example, a special issue in April 1982 discussed the history and politics of these efforts.
• Principles of Indian Government: This important document from 1975/1977 talked about how First Nations governments should work.
• Books like The First Nations: Indian Government and the Canadian Confederation (1980) and Our language, our survival (1987) were also published.

Economy and Business

The Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF) was created in 1986. It helps First Nations businesses and economic growth. In 2002–03, it combined with SIAP's Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company and another investment company.

Honoured Leaders

The Chiefs Assembly has recognized important leaders. For example, Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane was honoured for her achievements. She was Canada's first female First Nations Chief, elected under the current system for The Key First Nation.

Leaders of the FSIN

Here are some of the people who have led the FSIN and its earlier forms:

• 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)

Some First Nations in Saskatchewan

The FSIN represents many First Nations communities. Here are some of them: