"Destructive politicking and resistance to overdue reforms have become so entrenched at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations that the Chiefs Assembly this week will need to act quickly to safeguard institutions that play a key role in First Nations affairs in the province.

FSIN's ham-fisted removal Thursday of the chair of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority board, Kirk Goodtrack - despite his court-ordered reinstatement - bodes ill for the future of the organization that bills itself as the protector of First Nations interests, and for the renewal of a five-year gaming agreement that allows SIGA to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from government-sanctioned casinos.

As was the case when the First Nations University of Canada was taken to the brink of disaster by having its government funding yanked, it is current acting FSIN head Morley Watson who appears to be the driving force behind Mr. Goodtrack's ouster.

That Vice Chief Watson is in his current capacity as the result of a similarly legally inappropriate removal of former FSIN chief Guy Lonechild, followed by a controversial buyout, only highlight the ugly politics that have become a hallmark at FSIN, putting in doubt the very future of the organization."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Action needed to save FSIN (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 10/3)

Another Opinion:
Brownyn Eyre: Growing culture of secrecy invades workplace (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 10/1)

Also Today:
Letter contradicts FSIN's public stance (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 10/1)
Gov't critical of chair's firing (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 10/1)
Government responds to Goodtrack's removal (CKOM 9/30)

Related Stories:
Doug Cuthand: Native leaders turning against one of their own (9/30)
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority chair suspended again (9/29)
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority board chair still in limbo (9/16)
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority chair back on the job (9/15)
Big expenses on Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority board (9/14)
Editorial: Ruling on gaming authority a blow to First Nations (9/13)
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority told to restore chair (9/12)
First Nations leader disputes removal of gaming authority chair (7/27)
First Nations leaders challenge payments for gaming authority (7/26)