FSIN leader and his political staff are suspended

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FSIN Executive committed to fulfilling its mandate on behalf of all Saskatchewan First Nations

05 August 2011

In a communiqué to all First Nation leaders, communities and FSIN institutions, the FSIN Executive assured First Nations that the Federation will continue to operate in accordance with its mandate.

The FSIN Executive issued the communiqué following a decision by the FSIN Joint Executive Council and Indian Government Commission to suspend Chief Guy Lonechild and his political staff, effective Thursday, August 4, 2011.

"We respect the decisions and directives of the FSIN Joint Executive Council and Indian Government Commission (IGC). Those directives will be implemented in accordance with the resolution that was passed at IGC on August 4, 2011," FSIN First Vice Chief Morley Watson stated.

The Joint Executive Council and Indian Government Commission in consultation with the FSIN Senate presided over a hearing on August 4, 2011 to decide whether there was sufficient cause and due process to issue a non-confidence against Chief Lonechild.

As a result of the hearing, the IGC issued the following directives to the FSIN Executive:

- Effective immediately, Chief Guy Lonechild and his political staff will be suspended with pay until such time as the pending motion of non-confidence process as outlined in sections 59 – 61 of the FSIN Executive Act is completed; and,

- Under sections 13 – 15 of the FSIN Executive Act, the executive powers vested in the Office of the Chief be delegated to the Office of the First Vice Chief to ensure that the operations of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations continues during the suspension.

A closed session of the FSIN Chiefs in Assembly will be held on September 1, 2011 pursuant to FSIN law (Section 61, FSIN Executive Act).

The FSIN Executive will be meeting with all staff, FSIN institutions and key partners to ensure continuity in leadership and that the current strategies and initiatives of the Federation continue.

"Now is the time that we as First Nations and communities pull together to support the FSIN and our collective Inherent and Treaty Rights. The FSIN is the institution that has represented First Nations in this region for 65 years and has fought hard for an improved quality of life for all our communities," Vice Chief Watson concluded.

The FSIN Executive and all of the Federation offices and services will continue on a business as usual fashion, and First Nation leaders and community members are encouraged to contact the FSIN directly if they have any questions.

For more information contact:

Office of the First Vice Chief, Morley Watson
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
306.665.1215

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

August 31, 2011 - Chief Guy Lonechild won a victory but the battle isn't over yet, according to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).
(VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/embed/Iw9xTfQMRJE )
A Court of Queens Bench judge ruled yesterday that the FSIN removal of Lonechild as their leader was illegal because they didn't follow proper procedure.
However, the FSIN executive say they have jurisdiction, and plan to launch an appeal of the judge's decision and will argue their self governance of such matters is based on Treaty Rights.

After serving the FSIN for nearly a dozen years, Lonechild was removed from office after a court case involving drunk driving - something he kept secret. There was no disclosure of his charges when he sought the position of Chief of Saskatchewan. Chiefs and Councillors complained and said they would not have provided their support had they known of the drunk driving charges.

Earlier this month the FSIN stated: "When the issue of this lack of disclosure by Mr. Lonechild came to light, the Chiefs of Saskatchewan commenced a formal process of removal of office as stipulated by the regulations of the organization. The process has received legal guidance throughout on the steps of removal from office. . .Once all facts were disclosed, it was decided to place Mr. Lonechild on full pay but suspended of powers until the Chiefs in Assembly could make a decision on his leadership, which is now set for September 1st, 2011."

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