Government partners renew support for self government

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Political leaders from Ottawa, Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) have renewed their commitment to the Saskatchewan Common Table process, a three-year-old initiative aimed at creating a new system of self government for the province's Aboriginal population.

Before a full house of observers and news reporters, FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde made the announcement on Nov. 26, accompanied by federal Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault and provincial Indian Affairs Minister Jack Hillson.

"The evolution of First Nations self government will take some time and I think everyone understands that," Bellegarde said. "But our people need to continue to build the capacities and the structures, so that in time, First Nations can gain a real sense of control over their destinies.

"When Indigenous peoples in this province achieve something positive, everyone in this province achieves something," Bellegarde continued. "As we move down that road toward self-determination, the entire province and indeed the entire country will benefit."

Over the past three years, the partners in the Common Table process have examined existing treaty relationships as well as existing fiscal arrangements between Ottawa, the province and Saskatchewan's First Nations communities.

The next step in the process is to devise new government structures within the First Nations community and to negotiate the transfer of authority from Ottawa and Saskatchewan to First Nations leadership. While none of the leaders offered specific examples of how Native self government would manifest itself in the province, they all agreed the arrangement could involve any number of key jurisdictional areas including education, health, child and family services, justice and resources.

"I was here (in Saskatchewan) a few months ago and at that time I said I was one of the ministers who believed in the inherent right of First Nations to govern themselves," Nault said. "I said the inherent right exists, that treaties are to be honored and respected and that we should, in partnership with other governments, work to build upon the treaty relationship. We know that the status quo is unacceptable. We must move away from the paternalism and dependency of the Indian Act and we must work with First Nations to build stronger and sustainable First Nations governance - governance which is accountable, inclusive, democratic and participatory."

When asked about the challenges involved in establishing parallel health care, education and justice systems for the province's Native population, Nault said the elements of any Native-run system would "have to meet the test of our government's policy position" and be consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bellegarde said he was encouraged by Ottawa's renewed commitment to the Common Table process. He also expressed hope that the process would lead to better living conditions, a higher standard of living and more opportunities for the province's Aboriginal population.

"Many of our First Nations people, both on and off reserve, are facing social and economic disparities and we see the need to reinvigorate the treaty relationship that was meant to allow our people the opportunity to share the land and the resources with the settlers in order that we could thrive together," Bellegarde said. "We have to get our young First Nations people educated and trained, keep them in the school system and help them find the job opportunities that are out there in the system."

"Public education is something else we always talk about," Bellegarde continued. "Getting it (the importance of First Nations self government) taught in the curriculum, teaching the people of Saskatchewan and getting them in tune with the idea that Native self-determination is good for everybody. These are all priorities. There's got to be changes in the overall education system, the justice system, the health care system and what have you. he status quo is just not good enough anymore as we approach the new millennium."

Nault said the three levels of government would be entering into negotiations in the next few months in hopes of extending more jurisdictional power to First Nations communities.