Watch the video above: FSIN looking at options after proposal to fund group with gaming revenue voted down
SASKATOON – A proposal to fund the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) with gaming revenue was voted down by delegates at the winter assembly.
Funding plans were presented to the chiefs Thursday and a majority of them rejected the idea of using casino revenues to fund the organization to make up for a funding shortfall.
The federal government has cut close to $1.9 million from the group over two fiscal years and layoff notices have been handed out to 66 FSIN employees.
The chiefs instead voted that they would find savings in their individual communities that would support the FSIN.
Time is now running out for the group as it tries to find the best financial path for its future.
“We’re just trying to keep the doors open, and make sure this organization evolves and does not dissolve,” said FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde.
“On April 1, $500,000 for basic operational funding – that’s going to be there,” explained Bellegarde.
“And the $900,000 in administration fees – that will be there. The chief’s salary will be there, but that is it.”
The tribal chiefs will meet for a follow-up on Feb. 24 at which time they will be presented with a core operational plan from the FSIN executive and decide the best way to move forward.
The recommendations from the tribal chiefs and a final vote will be held at the next general assembly meeting on March 20.
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