The intent of FSIN and its precursors, was the defense and protection treaty rights, land and resources, and came from the desire to "foster [the] economic, educational and social growth" With the advent of SIAP (Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture/al Program) governments were passing some control over to indigenous farmers and "...SIAP offered opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to learn about and gain skills in the agricultural sector" "In the 1970s [the 60's according to the SIAP history in Appendix 5 of the Williams report], the groundwork was laid by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, the
Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture, the
University of Saskatchewan and the
Department of Indian and Northern Development" for SIAP. Another source reports Harold Greyeyes and the "Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Administration (ARDA), in co-operation with the FSIN," established SIAP in 1974. A third source states "SIAP was created under the guidance of Alex Kennedy, a First Nations farmer born in Little Pine First Nation, the first chairman of SIAP – and the second chairman of the former FSIN."), and ended in 1995, SIAP aimed to 'promote interest in the agriculture industry, develop economically viable farm units and to improve the productive capacity of Indian reserve lands.' An article published by the Ag. Rep. in the February 1979 Saskatchewan Indian profiles only four successful band farms, including
Star Blanket, and notes reasons for the failure of others. SIAP and its efforts were also profiled in 1981. As of 1989, "SIAP has diversified its activities into a number of areas, including wild rice, alfalfa farming, ethanol production, game ranching (deer, buffalo, elf), and fish farming." "At its 'zenith … [SIAP] created 600 viable farm units, a marketing company, a loan company and a venture capital company' (Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame 2014)." Gerald Starr, a
Tom Longboat Award Winner from 1952, manager of Star Blanket Farm, is recorded as chairman of the board in the 1980s. • Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP) - 4H Program. or 1990. Gerald Starr is also recorded as chairman of the board for this subsidiary. It later amalgamated with the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Company as did Inpro West Investment Corporation (INPRO), in 2002–03.
Treaties "Although small portions of present-day Saskatchewan include lands from Treaty 2 (1871) and Treaty 7 (1877), the five major historical or
numbered treaties of this province are Treaty 4 (1874), Treaty 5 (1875–76), Treaty 6 (1876), Treaty 8 (1899–1900), and Treaty 10 (1906–07)." Over many years the FSI attempted to be recognized and participate in discussions and decisions around the "repatriation" of the
Constitution of Canada. These efforts are reported in the Saskatchewan Indian (see Publications below). In April 1982 (the same month the Constitution was signed) the First Nations signed the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Convention, and agreed to unite in a common front to protect and preserve First Nations' Treaty rights and their political, economic, social and cultural characteristics. In 1989 the FSIN and the Government of Canada agreed to "create an independent and impartial office which, at that time, would serve to research and provide recommendations on the issues of treaty land entitlement and education for First Nations in Saskatchewan," called the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (1991?-1996). This office's mandate was expanded and the term extended for another five years (1997–2002) which then stretched to ten years. This Office remains in existence today.
Education and society Colleges SIAP offered courses in the agricultural sector, Its name changed to Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre It was established as a teaching institution to strengthen and support the overall First Nations education and cultural awareness of First Nations People. It was the first First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level. and an eventual spin-off of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College, was established in 1976 and immediately federated with the University of Regina in May of that same year. "Initially, it offered a Bachelor of Arts Program in Indian Studies within the Faculty of Arts. Other accredited programs were subsequently developed and implemented: Indian Art, Indian Education, Indian Management and Administration, and Indian Social Work Education. All these programs are academically integrated with their respective University of Regina facilities. Ida Wasacase was the first director of the SIFC." with a focus on adult education programs, and awarding certificates and diplomas in various technological and vocational fields,
Selection of publications The Worldcat Identities database record for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians clearly shows a time frame for their publications, based on items held at various libraries. Roughly 84 works from 1970 to 1985 are recorded, published in one language. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Identity record clearly shows a stronger record of publishing, with roughly 168 works in more languages (4), from 1982–1983 to 2015–2016. There have not been a significant number of publications held at libraries, published by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. There have been publications from committees and task forces, plus the colleges and University, not included under the names listed above. The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre holds a number of items, searchable in their library catalogue . • The Saskatchewan Indian [journal], 1970-1983(?) or 2011. Originally published by FSI, FSIN, then by the Saskatchewan Indian Media Corporation (funded 1987–1990). • In July 1979 the Saskatchewan Indian produced an issue titled The Constitutional Journey outlining indigenous efforts to be recognized and involved in deliberations around the
Constitution. • April 1982 the "Constitution Special Issue" published, dated the same day the Constitution of Canada was signed. It covered the history, law and politics of indigenous efforts to be recognized and included in the process of repatriation [the
Constitution] and Canada acquiring independence. Articles document efforts to be included in the process, including the work of FSI's Constitution Commission (pre-repatriation efforts). • Principles of Indian Government, 1975 and/or 1977 [unpublished but much quoted]. • Opekokew, Delia (ed). The First Nations: Indian Government and the Canadian Confederation. Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, 1980. • Opekokew, Delia. The First Nations: Indian Government and the Community of Man, 1982. • Ahenakew, Freda.
Nēhiyaw nikamona: songs in Cree and English. Saskatoon: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, 1986. • Ahenakew, Freda, and Shirley M. Fredeen.
Our language, our survival. Saskatoon: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, 1987.
Economy Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, established in 1986, is now the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, Inc. In 2002–03 it amalgamated with SIAP's Saskatchewan Indian Loan Company and the Inpro West Investment Corporation (INPRO). == Honours awarded ==