Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron speaks in Saskatoon on Sept. 20, 2024. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

By CKOM Staff

CKOM

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron seeking re-election for fourth term

Sep 20, 2024 | 5:10 PM

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron says if he is re-elected he will “continue to uphold, promote, and protect inherited treaty rights.”

Cameron announced on Friday he is running for a fourth term in next month’s FSIN election.

The FSIN advocates for Indigenous rights and represents over 160,000 people from 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Cameron said “good work” has been done throughout his time as Chief, and the organization is on a path of consistency and stability.

“It’s exciting times, sometimes it’s nervous — but in all honesty (for) the last 13 years it’s been an honour to have made so many good friends,” he said, noting he also takes particular pride in FSIN’s efforts to help those experiencing homelessness.

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Cameron said some of the work FSIN will continue to do is push for the gaming jurisdiction legislation Bill S-268, which he hopes is introduced into the House of Commons early next year.

He said FSIN has also had hands in the community through projects such as building a new school for Sweetgrass First Nation.

Cameron said one of his visions is to secure on-reserve tribal police to address violence and implement bylaws

FSIN First Vice Chief David Pratt also announced on Friday he is seeking re-election for a third term.

If re-elected Pratt said he wants a framework on the treaty right to health, and a vision for health care for Indigenous people in the next decades.

FSIN election day is Oct. 31.

Financial audit of FSIN

In March, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) launched a financial audit of the FSIN.

According to a statement provided to paNOW in April, the ISC confirmed plans to conduct a forensic audit, noting it was aware that the notification letter sent to the FSIN was also on social media.

According to the statement, the audit was going to cover expenditures related to all funding for the period covering April 1, 2019, to March 15, 2024, but ISC said it reserves the right to adjust the period of review based on what the audit found.

According to ISC, it has provided $141,096,331.90 to the FSIN since 2019.

When asked if there was any push back from other chiefs in relation to the audit ahead of the election, Cameron said the only pushback had been from “the opposition”.

Cameron said he didn’t know the status of the audit, and did not comment further.

— With files from PANow