The Saskatchewan government announced on Wednesday that it is updating its approach to per capita distribution payments for First Nations members receiving income assistance.
“Our government remains committed to the ongoing journey of reconciliation,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in a statement.
“After conducting a policy review, the ministry is exempting per capita distribution payments for First Nations members receiving Saskatchewan Income Support or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability benefits.”
According to the statement, per capita distribution payments are made by First Nations to their members resulting from a specific claim within the meaning of the Specific Claim Tribunal Act (Canada).
The province stated that previously, the ministry was exempting per capita distribution payments for First Nations members receiving income assistance up to $15,000 per member, per settlement.
On Tuesday, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) said it was “shameful” the Saskatchewan and federal governments were withholding the income assistance for First Nations citizens.
The FSIN said that the provincial policy affects off-reserve band members while federal policy restricts those living on reserve.
In a media release, the FSIN said distribution payments are “the recognition of and compensation for the harm done, historical grievances, pain, and suffering caused by breaches of the promises made under Treaty.”
It said that the payments are an avenue to honour treaties with the Crown, fulfill the spirit and intent of treaties, and advance reconciliation.
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“We don’t know if any consultation was carried out on this issue, which is incredibly troublesome when the purpose of specific claims is to address historic breaches of our Treaties intended to right past wrongs and renew relationships,” FSIN Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat said.
Chakastaypasin band Chief Calvin Sanderson said the province isn’t providing First Nations people with enough money as it is, saying assistance isn’t keeping up with inflation.
He also noted the housing crisis happening on First Nations’ land.
“If we had the capacity to build our own houses in our communities, we would bring our people back home to live there,” Sanderson said. “The province and the government have to stop dictating us. We are here for our membership.”
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said the benefit of redress is reduced in favour of Canada and the province.
“It is shameful and unconscionable that those disproportionately benefitted from Treaty are attempting to claw back this court-ordered redress intended to right past wrongs.”
Chief Cameron called on both governments to sit down with the FSIN and First Nations leadership moving forward. The following day, the Saskatchewan government released an official statement announced it is exempting per capita distribution payments for First Nations members on income assistance.
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