FSIN's financial future remains unclear
- Fraser Needham | February 14, 2014
The financial future of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations remains in limbo after the conclusion of Thursday's assembly.
The FSIN is facing a severe fiscal shortfall after a series of transfer cuts from the Harper government and has had to issue layoff notices to most of its staff.
Delegates discussed the possibility of using monies from the First Nations Gaming Trust to make up the FSIN's shortfall but were unable to find agreement.
Thunderchild First Nation Chief Delbert Wapass says it will now be up to a Feb. 24 meeting of the tribal chiefs to decide on what options remain.
"The understanding is from now until Mar. 31, there'll be the tribal chiefs, the tribal reps will come together, they'll drive that bus, they'll come back with options and recommendations," he says.
Wapass adds, although it won't be easy, he is confident some sort of solution can be found.
"I think there's going to be a consensus, we've been in time-crunch situations before."
The executive of the FSIN which includes the chief and four vice-chiefs has been asked to present the tribal chiefs with a core operational budget.
What remains unclear is whether the tribal chiefs will agree to give the FSIN more money or assess its budget and ask the organization to make do with current finances.
The recommendations from the tribal chiefs meeting will then be taken to a general assembly meeting on Mar. 20.
Read more of our FSIN Winter Assembly coverage:
First Nations chiefs debate how to improve FSIN's financial situation
NDP leader comes under fire at FSIN Winter Assembly