APTN National News
SASKATOON–Facing an $1.1 million cut from Ottawa, one of the country’s oldest First Nation organizations was forced to tell staff this week that layoffs loom.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) plans to lay off much of its staff by March 31.Employees were informed of the looming cuts on Tuesday
FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde said the FSIN was hit with a $875,000 cut last fiscal year and the new round of funding cuts forced the organization’s hand.
“If there are no alternative sources of revenue, it is going to have a huge impact,” said Bellegarde.
Bellegarde said the cuts will diminish the FSIN’s ability to analyze legislation and get legal opinions. It will also mean the organization will have to reduce its number of vice chiefs.
The federal government has moved to slash spending for First Nations organizations. In September 2012 Ottawa announced it would be capping core funding for regional organizations, like the FSIN, at $500,000.
Last year, Ottawa cut its pot of cash for so-called discretionary funding by 30 per cent.
“You basically weaken the voice of First Nation people across Canada,” said Bellegarde.
Bellegarde said the cuts could also give First Nation organizations freedom to take a stronger line against Ottawa. He said funding is often used by Ottawa to retaliate against First Nations organizations that criticize federal policy.
The FSIN, however, will continue to exist, no matter what Ottawa does, he said.
“We have seen the ebb and flow of funding to organizations,” he said. “Our FSIN will always be there. Sometimes its shape and form will change and evolve.”
Dont allow yourselves to be subject to their whims with paper offerings. These cuts will only strengthen your ties with other tribes and allow for those ties to continue to strengthen without govt aid. You can show the world your true strength. Think outside the box..
Thats bull crap fricken government is forcing us to protest nationwide…..
im pissed at the government already, if I were to join any protest
I can tell u I wouldn’t be peaceful
“You basically weaken the voice of First Nation people across Canada,” said Bellegarde. ~ This is exactly what harpers government has always stated as their intention and they intend to see it through. Shame on canada.