FSIN SUPPORTS A DEMOCRACY FREE FROM FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
- Mar 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) commends the Government of Canada’s recent action to investigate foreign interference in the two previous federal elections, however, First Nations also have a stake in protecting democracy and the lands we inhabit from foreign threats.
“First Nations cherish democracy and being part of the country's political processes. It is a tradition and Treaty right to uphold the right to self-governance. For centuries, First Nations have had leaders and structure in their society. Today, we continue to take pride in the fair and equitable treatment of members by leadership, therefore we call for a seat within the election over-site bodies to ensure democracy in our inherent and traditional homeland is protected from foreign interference and election tampering. We must ensure First Nations Treaty rights and our point of view are represented in all of Canada’s governing bodies and on an international level,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week that he would appoint an “eminent Canadian” to the position of Independent Special Rapporteur, who will have a wide mandate to make expert recommendations on protecting and enhancing Canadians’ faith in our democracy.
FSIN Executive says First Nations also want to defend democracy, the land and their inherent Treaty rights and should have a stake in the process.
First Nations request to be part of the review committee for the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) to assess the state of foreign interference in federal electoral processes, says the FSIN executive. FSIN would like to be privy to the recommendations brought forth by the committee to Parliament. The FSIN Executive believes their members have an inherent Treaty right to know about foreign interference attempts and the potential effects on the country’s democracy and institutions.
Currently, FSIN Executives says there is no way for the First Nations government to address the Chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) to discuss or receive information about national security threats to First Nations’ inherent homeland.
“We are observing the Prime Minister and want to ensure foreign interference during the 43rd and 44th federal election did not compromise the process. We request the NSICOP and NSIRA will appropriately include First Nations Treaty rights when setting its mandate,” said Chief Cameron.
About FSIN
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 73 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
Lisa Risom
Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
10 - 134 Kahkewistahaw Crescent Treaty Six Territory
Saskatoon, SK S7R 0M9
Cell: 306-987-0505 | FSIN Office: 306-665-1215
Email: communications@fsin.com
