FSIN Media Release

www.fsin.com For immediate release: April 26th, 2019

FSIN and Saskatchewan Social Services Ministry

(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK) – Earlier this week, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Social Services Paul
Merriman along with other officials met with the federal Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus
O’Regan that included national groups such as the Assembly of First Nations. One of the items
discussed was Bill C-92, “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families”
Minister Merriman’s recent comments about being unable to speak with the Minister of Indigenous
Services without the inclusion of First Nation representation highlights the troubling stance of the
Province of Saskatchewan with regard to respecting the jurisdiction of First Nations over their children.
The Minister’s remarks show that he does not see the importance of relationship building as paramount
in Nation-to-Nation reconciliation.

“It’s unfortunate that this is their (Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services) way of doing business”
says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “However our sources within the Saskatchewan Social Services
Ministry informed us of their refusal to include Saskatchewan First Nation leadership weeks ago, and
even they were ashamed of the Provincial Government’s lack of inclusion. If they are serious about
apologizing about past mistakes, then inclusion is the only option because this would prove they are
serious and speaking words that hold truth.”

“They have apologized for the 60’s Scoop yet would not work with us on putting a moratorium on
permanent guardianship and adoptions of our children” says Vice-Chief David Pratt. “You don’t
apologize and then continue with business as usual with taking our children away. This government
continues to ignore the needs of our children and we will succeed where they have failed.”

Chief Bobby Cameron also states that the “Provincial Government continues to fail because they do not
understand, nor can they can fully comprehend how our First Nation’s Elders and families can help
restore our children’s self-esteem, culture, language and identity back to the way it was before
Provincial Government interference. Our Treaty and Inherent rights are to be respected at all times and
each First Nation will assert their own jurisdiction over their children as they see fit.”

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The
Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion,
protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

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For More Information, please contact:

FSIN Communications
Larissa Burnouf
Cell : 306-291-6864
communications@fsin.com
larissa.burnouf@fsin.com