The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) said they are disgusted with the Saskatchewan and federal governments as they are withholding income assistance from First Nations citizens.
“The federal government says they are merely following the province by withholding income assistance from First Nations who receive more than $15,000 for per capita distributions from their Nations,” Vice-Chief Edward Dutch Lerat said.
The group said assistance is being withheld from First Nations citizens who receive per capita distributions from specific claims of more than $15,000.
The provincial government confirmed the $15,000 cap in an email statement.
“The ministry currently exempts Per Capita Distribution payments for First Nations members receiving SIS and SAID benefits, up to $15,000 per member, per settlement,” read the statement.
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.
“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,” Lerat said.
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.”
He called on both governments to sit down with the FSIN and First Nations leadership moving forward.
The province told Global News it has been in communication with the FSIN and that the Ministry of Social Services will be reviewing the policy.
“The Government of Saskatchewan recently sent a letter to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations indicating the Ministry of Social Services is reviewing its policy on Per Capita Distribution payments for First Nations members receiving SIS and SAID benefits and welcomes conversation and feedback with First Nations leadership.”
Global News has reached out to the federal government for comment.
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