By paNOW Staff

FSIN welcomes changes

Jun 17, 2011 | 11:41 AM

Although there is a lot of uncertainty, First Nation leaders are welcoming new legislation that allows band members to seek protection under the human rights act if they feel discrimination.

Until now, First Nations people could not take their case to a human rights tribunal.

It could mean future challenges against the Indian Act and the federal government, said Morley Watson, vice chief with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

“We have to be optimistic that it's going to address some of the communities or some of our concerns in education, in housing, health and safe drinking water. Just some of the minor things like having some of our people with wheelchair accessible ramps and things like that,” Watson said.

He said there is a lot of work left to be done and he is calling on Ottawa to make sure the implementation of the Human Rights Act on reserves is effective, including the assurance that enough funds are supplied to implement the shift.

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