FSIN changes name, welcomes federal minister on opening day of Assembly
- EFN Staff | May 25, 2016
It was a really interesting morning in North Battleford. It turns out the first Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Assembly to be hosted in this city is also the last one as well….at least in this form.
The Assembly opened with the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, the Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, addressing the Assembly and she announced millions in training money from the federal government. The goal is to increase opportunities for Indigenous people to develop their skills and access support services they need to get jobs and succeed in the labour market.
Some measures supported by this targeted funding to at-risk Indigenous communities could include: flexible supports for costs associated with obtaining child care; transportation needs and services; and driver education and licensing.
News from previous FSIN Assemblies:
- FSIN holds first Assembly under new chief
- Cameron, Bear with convincing wins at FSIN election
- FSIN gets $2 million cash injection
- FSIN's financial future remains unclear
Minister Mihychuk also informed the audience of a new call for proposals for the Skills and Partnership Fund, with a total value of $50 million per year. The Fund encourages Indigenous organizations to create partnerships with governments, businesses and community organizations to improve skills training. The call for proposals closes on July 5, 2016.
The Minister was passionate in her address about having the government do things differently than they had in the past.
“I apologize on behalf of government for the terrible ASETS application form,” she said jokingly but seriously. “You have had to spend hundreds of hours filling in forms to get funding instead of doing important work. I tell you our department is ready for a major cultural change. In the past they were told to find ways to say no and not reach out. Today we encourage reaching out and to make success, not failure.”
Federation Chief Bobby Cameron was glad to host the Federal Minister.
“We welcome the federal government investment into the development of our people’s skills and training needs. Our First Nation people require education and training opportunities to build healthier families and communities,” said Chief Cameron. “This is a positive step forward to the importance of life-long learning. We look forward to our continued nation-to-nation Inherent and Treaty based relationship.”
Senator Ted Quewezance also addressed the Minister and presented her with tobacco and a copy of the rules and regulations on the FSIN. The Senate also welcomed new Senator John Charles Thomas of Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.
The second order of the day saw the Chiefs vote to change the historic institutions name from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. More to come on this historic move.