Cook-Searson presses Ottawa for action on Timber Bay survivors, Indian Act changes

Survivors have shared their experiences with leaders, she said, and the facility has “all the hallmarks of a residential school.”

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

Timber Bay Children’s Home operated for more than 40 years but was excluded from the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, according to the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC). Cook-Searson said the federal government had previously been prepared to negotiate with survivors, but the province was not at the table at the time.

Now, with Premier Scott Moe indicating he is willing to pursue a settlement, she said the next step is bringing both levels of government together.

“So if we can get the two together, the province and the feds, then we will be able to settle this injustice with the Timber Bay Children’s Home survivors and their families,” she said.

Another key issue raised by Cook-Searson was Bill S-2 and the need to address the second-generation cut-off under the Indian Act.

She is advocating for the proposed one-parent rule, which would help more descendants maintain eligibility for registration under the Indian Act and preserve their connection to their First Nation.

Cook-Searson said she did not hear any commitments on Bill S-2 during the meeting, but leaders intend to continue pressing the issue.

“There seems to be a stall, stalled tactics, even within the room.”

While First Nations can determine their own membership, Cook-Searson said that does not automatically provide federal recognition or funding.

“We need the federal government to adopt the one-parent rule today and stop having stall tactics because we have children, grandchildren, members in our communities that are not part of our nation because of this discriminatory policy of the federal government.”

The PAGC release noted that the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has 12,909 members, with 3,600 registered under subsection 6(2) of the Indian Act.

A significant topic was brought up by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew regarding abolishing or modernizing the Indian Act, the law that frames how Ottawa and provincial governments work with First Nations.

Moe said that discussing the idea is fair, even if it does not result in steps taken.

“This would be a significant undertaking in collaboration, this would be a significant undertaking in the effort by the federal government in modernizing The Indian Act,” explained the premier.

“But ultimately that’s a discussion that will be by the rights holders and the chiefs, not just in this province but across the nation, and it may very well be one that there isn’t agreement on, but it’s fair to have that discussion.”

Chiefs raise concerns about resource development, policing

Cook-Searson also emphasized the need for First Nations to have a meaningful role in major resource development projects, including those that governments want to advance to strengthen Canada’s economy.

When asked about Bill C-39, legislation intended to fast-track projects, she said the issue came up during the Ottawa discussions.

“We’re wanting to have full say on the projects. We want to be partners. We want to have full consultation,” she said. “We want to be part of the table of discussions, not after the fact.”

In her address to First Ministers, Cook-Searson also called for greater First Nations participation in natural resource development and revenue-sharing, arguing that communities must be recognized as partners and owners rather than simply employees or contractors.

Other PAGC chiefs brought forward concerns affecting their communities, from policing and essential infrastructure to land claims and environmental protection.

James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant called for culturally appropriate First Nations policing, saying existing arrangements have not adequately met his community’s safety needs. He pointed to the trauma caused by the September 2022 mass stabbing tragedy and stressed the importance of policing that understands the community’s culture and history.

The federal government announced more than $630 million over four years for First Nations and Inuit policing, alongside ongoing annual funding.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Christine Longjohn highlighted infrastructure and health-care inequities, including overcrowded housing and gaps in essential services. She said First Nations must be treated as Treaty partners as governments pursue major economic projects.

“We need to remember that a lot of our communities don’t have the infrastructure that’s needed within their First Nations,” Longjohn said.

Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation Chief Ronnie Augier called for action on the North of 60 land claim, which he said has remained unresolved for about 37 years. The claim involves traditional hunting and trapping rights and the challenges created by boundaries established after Indigenous families had long used the territory.

Hatchet Lake First Nation Chief Bart Tsannie raised concerns about taxation and other outstanding issues tied to the North of 60 claim. He also called for Indigenous Protected Areas in northern Saskatchewan to protect caribou habitat and traditional hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering grounds.

Tsannie also highlighted the need for federal support for a proposed health facility in Hatchet Lake and further discussions about policing and northern services.

Cumberland House Cree Nation Chief Rene Chaboyer called for federal and provincial action to protect and restore the Saskatchewan River Delta, which he described as an important ecosystem supporting wildlife, medicinal plants and the traditional livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Action beyond funding announcements

The Ottawa meeting included discussions about a potential First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund, Indigenous workforce development, emergency management and policing.

Canada announced $260 million over four years for Indigenous workforce development and more than $2.5 billion over five years for emergency management, in addition to the policing funding.

PAGC leaders said those investments must be accompanied by progress on Treaty obligations, equitable resource revenue-sharing, land claims and essential community services.

Cook-Searson said protests and public demonstrations have an important role in a democracy because they allow people to raise concerns and make their voices heard. She also called for governments to work together and respect one another, noting that political leadership changes over time.

“We do come together in times of crisis, and we need to come together to be able to find a way forward, working together and also respecting each other,” she said.

For Cook-Searson and other PAGC leaders, the challenge now is turning the discussions in Ottawa into concrete action for northern Saskatchewan First Nations and future generations.

-with files from CKOM News

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Cook-Searson presses Ottawa for action on Timber Bay survivors, Indian Act changes

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