Editorial: Ruling on gaming authority a blow to First Nations

'For the second time in the past two weeks, a court has ordered a Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)created body to heed its own rules and reinstate a senior official who has been suspended unfairly.

The latest black eye for the organization over an attempt to oust someone who'd tried to make overdue reforms further weakens the FSIN at a time when several disillusioned First Nations are reconsidering their membership in the federation.

Justice Gerald Allbright of the Court of Queen's Bench dismissed arguments from the board of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and from the vice-chiefs of FSIN, SIGA's parent organization, that board chair Kirk Goodtrack was in a conflict of interest involving his work as a lawyer representing some Indian bands."

Get the Story:
Another blow to FSIN image (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 9/13)

Related Stories:
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)