News release
June 10, 2021
The Government of Canada recognizes Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to self-determination and supports the inherent right of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to independently deliver their own services to address the unique needs of their communities.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Chief Matthew T. Peigan of the First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan (FNCIAS) announced the signing of an historic Framework Agreement. This Framework Agreement sets a path for the Agency to independently deliver housing, capital and infrastructure services to any participating First Nation on reserve in Saskatchewan.
The Framework Agreement outlines the negotiation process, guiding principles and the roles and responsibilities for all parties involved in the transfer of the control, delivery and management of First Nations housing, capital and infrastructure services in Saskatchewan.
First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan is a First Nations-led organization modeled on the results of its engagements with First Nations communities, leadership and Tribal Councils in Saskatchewan. On June 10, 2020, it incorporated to become a stand-alone service delivery organization.
First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan is working closely with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to address legislative requirements as per the FSIN Convention Act. In addition, FNCIAS is working closely with First Nations and Tribal Councils throughout the interim operations stage to help shape the Agency’s business model and service delivery approach.
First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan will present their full business plan, strategic plan, and organizational and governance model to First Nations and Tribal Councils in Saskatchewan prior to the proposed transition from the Government of Canada.
Once the transfer is complete, FNCIAS will assume responsibility and management for the design, provision and delivery of the infrastructure programs and services currently under the responsibility of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for First Nations member communities and Tribal Councils in Saskatchewan. For First Nations that choose not to join the Agency, ISC will continue to deliver housing and infrastructure services.
This Framework Agreement advances a new First Nations-led service delivery model and represents an important step towards self-determination and greater control for First Nations over services in their communities.