FSIN PROCURES GFA AMENDMENTS WITH PROVICE: $43+ MILLION GRANT AND 25% GAMING REVENUES
- Jun 19, 2020
- 2 min read
After 8 weeks of diligent work from a number of dedicated leaders, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) has been approved for a $43.4 million non-repayable grant, which includes First Nations Trust revenues and CDC payments. These amendments to the Gaming Framework Agreement also includes a guarantee that our First Nations receive 25% of all SIGA gaming profits once the casinos reopen until April 2021.
The FSIN Executive would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to SIGA Chair Chief Reg Bellerose, FNT Chair Sheila Sutherland, Chief Marie-Anne Daywalker-Pelletier, Chief Darcy Bear, Tribal Chief Edmond Bellegarde, Tribal rep Neil Sasakamoose, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, SIGA CEO Zane Hanson and FSIN EOO Dawn Walker for their hard work and diligence in securing this revenue stream for First Nations in Saskatchewan.
More details will be released on this positive news in the coming days as the deal is finalized.
FSIN COVID-19 UPDATE
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive and Emergency Management staff has begun delivering another round of Personal Protective Equipment to the 74 member First Nations and Tribal Councils. In addition, military grade handwashing stations are also being delivered to a number of nations to support gatherings for ceremony. Letters are being distributed to the communities outlining the amounts of PPE being delivered, which are pre-packaged based on a per capita basis.
Additional shipments will continue to be delivered in the coming months as stocks replenish. Every Chief will be directly contacted to arrange for pick-up and delivery. We continue to urge our nations to be vigilant and strict with their emergency preparedness measures, border security and/or curfews to prevent the spread of COVID-19. So far, the FSIN has distributed 753,000 barrier masks, 453,000 gloves, 50,000 medical gowns, 2000 face shields and limited amounts of hand sanitizer.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Local Food Infrastructure Fund: Applicant guide - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Applications will be accepted starting June 8th until December 31, 2023 (or an earlier date) based on funding availability. Applicants may submit a proposal for a minimum ask of $5,000 to a maximum ask of $250,000. Project activities must be completed by March 31, 2024. Indigenous applicants are eligible. https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/local-food-infrastructure-fund/applicant-guide/?id=1563476002321
New Training Subsidy
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program will reimburse eligible private-sector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business to mitigate against additional financial impacts from training required to support their safe re-opening. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/june/18/temporary-training-program
Loan Application for First Nation Small Businesses
Application packages are available for First Nations small business owners through the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. The emergency loan program is a component of the Indigenous Business Stabilization program. Maximum assistance is $40,000 comprised of a 75% loan and 25% non-repayable contribution. www.sief.sk.ca
Emergency Community Support Fund
Government of Canada announced a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund organized through the Red Cross. The COVID-19 Emergency Support to Community Organizations is now open for applications. www.redcross.ca/communityorganizations
COVID 19 Update - Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 update can be obtained at the following website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan
FSIN COVID-19 Response Team at Covid@fsin.com 306-514-7494 Carey O’Soup, FSIN Director Emergency Management (306) 601-9204 carey.osoup@fsin.com Corey O’Soup, FSIN EM Coordinator (306) 220-0034 corey.osoup@fsin.com
