By Bre McAdam

FSIN chief Guy Lonechild wants chiefs off SIGA board

Jul 28, 2011 | 4:56 PM

The Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Guy Lonechild, wants to see the board of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) become apolitical.

Right now, the board is largely made up of chiefs, a situation Lonechild compares to the First Nations University board. He said having chiefs on the board is a conflict of interest.

“I think chiefs across Saskatchewan really need to push back and say maybe it is time to start depoliticizing the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority once and for all,” said Lonechild.

Some on the SIGA board are earning more than $100,000. Its expenses are more than $600,000.

“The alarming figures we have seen in terms of disclosure has shown a bright light on the need to streamline governance,” said Lonechild.

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Recently, the board tried to fire its chair Kirk Goodtrack, saying he sometimes represents clients who sue First Nation bands.

Lonechild said he knows not everyone on the board is pleased that Goodtrack was hired, but explains why he was brought in.

“To start looking at ways that we can not only maintain the bottom line, but look at ways we can evaluate our current operations.”

Goodtrack said he thinks the board tried to fire him because he tried to decrease excessive salaries. Lonechild insists Goodtrack is still heading the board.

Members of the SIGA board are appointe by the FSIN and the tribal councils.

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