Jonathan makes history as first female to lead FSIN
- EFN Staff | December 12, 2014
For the first time in the history of the organization, a woman is leading the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).
According to the FSIN Executive Act, First Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan now assumes the role and responsibilities as Interim Chief of the FSIN, marking the first time in FSIN’s history that a woman has taken on this role.
The change in leadership is because Perry Bellegarde, who held the position, was elected as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) earlier this week. The Executive congratulates Perry Bellegarde in his new role, adding he has been a prominent leader through the many challenges that have faced the FSIN including the major funding cuts by government over the past few years.
“We are confident he will put forward the voice of our people in our Inherent and Treaty Rights and will open up lines of communication that are critical to the progress of our issues at the national level,” said the Executive in a release.
While this is the first time a woman has led the FSIN, it is not, however, the first time that First Nations women have taken on leadership roles in Saskatchewan.
“Thanks to determined and principled women such as Rhoda Hardlotte, a Councillor from Stanley Mission who persevered in taking control over education; and, Chief Maryanne Daywalker-Pelletier of the Okanese First Nation, one of the longest serving Chiefs in Canada, women today have taken a greater leadership role in First Nations political realms comprising 1 in 4 leadership in Saskatchewan First Nations,” said Chief Kimberly Jonathan.
“It is an important time for First Nations women in politics. There are renewed opportunities for us to be able to speak on behalf of our babies here and babies on their way and to provide balance to our communities.”
The FSIN Executive will continue to work to uphold and protect Treaty and Inherent Rights for all First Nations citizens under the direction of the Chiefs of Saskatchewan.
“We have been taught that a good leader takes the people to places they would not have gone to on their own,” said Chief Jonathan. “One of our strongest teachings is that leaders need to be guided by spiritual principles, that there is a power greater than human beings.”
Over the next ten months, the FSIN Executive plans to utilize the resources that are available to us as leaders and to draw from the expertise of our leadership, present and former, who were strong advocates of Inherent and Treaty Rights.
“We will do this by bringing together our strong family of First Nations leadership and advisors who, under the direction of Chiefs in Saskatchewan will work to advance our issues based on our Treaty and Inherent rights position,” said Chief Jonathan.
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