Saskatchewan

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations election set for Thursday

Thursday is election-day for some of the executive positions at the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Indigenous Services Canada said in March it planned to conduct a forensic audit of the organization

a building outside with Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations on it
Incumbent FSIN chief Bobby Cameron, from Witchekan Lake First Nation, is running for re-election against Aly Bear from Whitecap Dakota First Nation, who is the current third vice-chief. (Liam O'Connor/CBC)

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) will conduct its executive election on Thursday.

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations across the province. On Thursday it's set to hold an election for some of the highest ranking positions in the organization.

Candidates are running for positions including chief, first vice-chief and third vice-chief.

Incumbent FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, from Witchekan Lake First Nation, is running for re-election against Aly Bear from Whitecap Dakota First Nation, who is the current third vice-chief.

The election comes amid a plan to conduct a forensic audit of the organization, announced by Indigenous Services Canada in the spring of 2024.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand, who also sits on the FSIN's treasury board, said the FSIN needs to be improved with more transparency and accountability, regardless of who people vote for.

"We've got to make sure that transparency is there to the rights holders and making sure that the chiefs are well informed so they can make effective decisions for their grassroots people. "