(Facebook/Craig McCallum)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Upcoming Election

Former P.A. Raider looking to become FSIN’s next 4th Vice Chief

Sep 21, 2023 | 2:15 PM

A former Prince Albert Raider is looking to become part of the next leadership group for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

Craig McCallum has officially put his name forward to become the next 4^th Vice Chief.

He played in one season for the Raiders, in 2009-10, and led the team in scoring with 72 points in 72 games.

McCallum told paNOW he never thought he would try his hand at politics but was told by many people that he would be a great leader, especially during his hockey days.

“People call me a role model, the fact I was able to break into the league and go pro when there weren’t a lot of (Indigenous players),” he said.

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McCallum has been working for Saskatoon Public Schools for the past three years. He’s currently the division’s Indigenous Student Advocate which means he’s tasked with helping each Indigenous student succeed at school and getting them on the path they want afterwards.

It was actually a talk with one of these students that inspired McCallum to put his name forward for FSIN’s upcoming election. He explained this one student was living in a tent along the South Saskatchewan River and hadn’t been back to his home community in many years. They also told him that the best part of his summer vacation was the three weeks when they had a backpack filled with everyday necessities which was eventually stolen.

“This is one story out of so many. In my experience, there hasn’t been a lot of people advocating for (First Nations youth in urban centres),” McCallum said.

The main items he would like to address, if elected, revolve around First Nations youth, especially those who live in urban centres. This includes trying to stop them from turning to a life of crime.

“I remember talking to this Elder… and they talked about how our people are disconnected from culture, identity, and purpose,” he said.

If he does become the next 4^th Vice Chief, McCallum noted he would be more of a listener than a talker as he wants to hear from Indigenous people as to what they want to see done.

Meanwhile, also running for 4^th Vice-Chief is incumbent Heather Bear and Curtis Standing from Wahpeton Dakota Nation.

The election will happen on Oct. 5, 2023.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow