Wally Burns seeking re-election as Chief of James Smith

“Education, health, and recreation all go hand in hand with creating healthy individuals and a healthy community. I have a lot of work underway that I’d like to continue.”

What are the big issues of this election?

Burns explained job creation, housing, education, addictions, health, policing, land claims and an agricultural settlement claims are on the minds of many band members.

“I have continued to pursue a land claim against the federal government on behalf of my people. The claim started 130 years ago and was carried forward by many leaders. Because of continued perseverance, Canada has agreed to settle the land claims,” Burns said, adding the agricultural benefits claim is a legal obligation owed to members of James Smith Cree Nation.

“Evidence shows the Crown never delivered the “cows and plows.” This was owed to us in exchange for land at the signing of Treaty No. 6,” he said.

Burns went on to say First Nations can choose how and if to farm their land; and that the government cannot dictate that to community members. As a collective, he said membership must make sound decisions to help shape a prosperous economic future for us and future generations.

Burns, who ia also advocating for those working to get their First Nations Drinking Water Settlement claim, said economic development and growth are big issues.

He then cited the signing of an employment quota with Star Diamond for the Fort a la Corne diamond deposit, as well as the creation of the first First Nations-owned MRI and medical diagnostic clinic that currently employs JSCN band members in Saskatoon, SK. Burns also helped secure a deal with Sask Power for hydroelectricity dam development using the North Saskatchewan River located on reserve land.

Are there are specific initiatives you would undertake if elected?

Following the tragic events of September, 2022, that left 10 people in the community dead and over a dozen injured, Prime Minister Trudeau paid a person visit and announced the federal government would be investing $42.5 million over six years to build a new wellness centre on James Smith Cree Nation and repurposing the existing Sakwatamo Lodge as a detox centre. Burns confirmed the work has been slow and the money is not yet in their hands.

“It’s a process but you know we have to get the ball started this year,” he said.

Further to these projects, Burns is a strong advocate for Cree land-based teachings, traditional parenting and bringing back ceremony and sweat lodges. He said this focus helps people heal from intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and residential schools.

Other initiatives for Burns include a 10-100 megawatt solar power station facility and a new High School building. This would be a stand-alone, separate building from the existing school.

Last year, nine new stand-alone dwellings were built on James Smith and some went to people whose homes were involved in the massacre. Burns mentioned in the community’s capital plan with Indigenous Services Canada, they have plans for an additional 80 new housing units, adding that both the underground and site preparation work is underway.

“We also have a drawing for a bridge over Peonan Creek in the northwest part of the reserve. This would provide a shorter route to the reserve from the west and provide better access to Sakwatamo Lodge,” Burns said.

Also planned is a new store at a cost of $10 million as well as a new hockey arena. Burns acknowledged youth are one of his priorities.

“We were all young once and I know the importance of living a healthy lifestyle”, he said.

Among the projects cited by Burns as completed are renovations to the youth centre, outdoor skating rink with lights, a SaskEnergy natural gas pipeline upgrade, and water treatment plant upgrade.

What’s your position on First Nations policing?

Following the mass stabbings, Burns spoke publicly about the need and benefits of a self-administered Police Force on James Smith Cree Nation.

This week he reiterated his commitment to Safety, Security, and a Self-administered Police Force, and cited the mobilization of an on-reserve security guards force that employs over 28 people as full and part-time.

Burns has also been appointed as the Regional Board member to the Assembly of First Nation Justice and Policing Task Force Committee. They help advocate for policing to be declared an Essential Service for all First Nations with dedicated annual federal funding.

James Smith was also the first community in Canada to activate First Alerts in the Talking Stick app. The alerts notify band members of a public safety crisis, natural disaster, or missing person.

Also running for Chief are Kirby Constant, Darrel Burns and Marcia Burns. Wally Burns said if re-elected he would work with all those who ran against him.

“You know it’s a good feeling to have that feeling that at least I know there are other people that really want to become a leader in our community”

The Headperson candidates are KC Moostoos, Tanya Moostoos, Devin Marion Justin Burns, Alvin G. Moostoos, Loretta E. Burns, Eldeen McKay, Gerald McKay, Byron Daniels, Cassie Constant, Dinah Marion, and Gloria Burns.

James Smith is one of three reserves that make up James Smith Cree Nation. The election at Chakastaypasin is in the fall and Peter Chapman’s is next spring.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Wally Burns seeking re-election as Chief of James Smith

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