Chiefs from across Saskatchewan gathered in Treaty 6 territory this week to elect the second and fourth Vice-Chiefs of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). The organization represents the 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan with a mandate to honour the spirit and intent of the Treaties, while protecting the Inherent and Treaty Rights of Saskatchewan First Nations.
The newly elected Vice-Chiefs will join Chief Bobby Cameron and Vice-Chief Aly Bear, both of whom are up for election in October 2024. Recently, First Vice-Chief David Pratt announced his candidacy for National Chief of Assembly of First Nations.
1114 votes were cast by the eligible FSIN Chiefs, council members, and appointed delegates. There was an 85% voter turnout highlighting the importance of this election for First Nations across Saskatchewan. The voting results were:
- For the Second Vice-Chief position, candidate Dutch Lerat, from Cowessess First Nation was re-elected by defeating Fabian Head, from Red Earth First Nation by 50 votes. Lerat was first elected in 1984.
- For the Fourth Vice-Chief position, Craig McCallum, from Canoe Lake First Nation won by 39 votes over Heather Bear, from Ochapowace First Nation, and Curtis Standing, from Wahpeton Dakota Nation.
The newly elected Vice-Chief McCallum said: “I hope to make you all proud and honour the decision you made here today”. He campaigned on protecting Treaty Rights, and formulae to support First Nation people living off-reserve.
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For more information and insights about what these developments mean for the political landscape in Treaty 4, Treaty 5, Treaty 6, Treaty 8, and Treaty 10, please reach out to our experts:
Bronte Prosser – Strategy Advisor
bronte@prairieskystrategy.ca
306-270-7405
Richard Feehan – Senior Strategy Advisor
feehan@prairieskystrategy.ca
780-940-8956
To learn more about Prairie Sky Strategy, please visit our website.
