AFN Chief demands meeting with Aboriginal Affairs over Makwa Sahgaiehcan fatal fire

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde has written to the federal minister of aboriginal affairs Bernard Valcourt asking for an immediate meeting to discuss the fire that killed two toddlers on the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in northwestern Saskatchewan.

In a strongly-worded letter to the minister, Bellegarde wrote the incident was a tragedy that "claimed the lives of two very young children."

"Equally tragic is the fact this is not an isolated incident," Bellegarde wrote.

Bellegarde goes on to state that the "situation is at a crisis level and the reasons all point to the fact that the Government of Canada provides insufficient funds to First Nations to adequately provide their members a safe and healthy environment".

Our people have suffered long enough.- AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde

At the crux of Bellegarde's letter, dated Feb. 20, is his insistence that the two national leaders use the tragedy as an opportunity to discuss lifting the two per cent cap on First Nations funding.

The measure was introduced by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada in 1996. The two per cent spending cap pertains to annual increases to program funding. 

"Our people have suffered long enough," Bellegarde wrote. "We must address immediate needs of safety and security for our people and communities and we must engage on discussions towards a new fiscal relationship.".

Federal funding for Makwa Sahgaiehcan

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The federal government told CBC Makwa Sahgaiehcan was given $33,999 for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. A spokesperson said in an email the money was provided for operations and maintenance of fire protection services on reserve. 

Chief Richard Ben said he was unsure exactly how the federal money had been spent and referred further questions to his finance manager. The manager told CBC he was on vacation and was unable to answer specific questions about how the money was used.

Ben said despite the federal funding, the First Nation's fire truck and hall are currently not in working order. A federal spokesperson said the ministry was not aware of this.

Makwa Sahgaiehcan reported that it spent $62,352 on fire suppression during the 2013-14 fiscal year. However, questions about exactly where that money was spent in the community have not been answered.

Child advocate weighs in

The Saskatchewan Children's Advocate, Bob Pringle, told CBC News on Tuesday that the recent deaths of Harley and Haley Cheenanow bring the total number of child fatalities in house fires on Saskatchewan reserves over the past year and a half to nine.

"The local, elected people have a responsibility to protect those in the community. Especially those who are vulnerable," Pringle said.

Pringle said he has been in touch with Ben since the fire.

Nobody's off the hook here.- Sask. Child Advocate Bob Pringle

"Let me say this, yes the federal government needs to step up to the plate, but so do local communities," Pringle said. "Clearly the Chief and elected officials in that community, and in any community across Saskatchewan, have a responsibility to be fire ready," Pringle said.

"Nobody's off the hook here."

Pringle said he does not believe the safety of children is truly a priority for leaders.

"Adults, locally —geographically in the area— provincially, federally, figure it out. Children are dying," Pringle stated.

Meeting between leaders expected soon

Bellegarde concludes his letter by writing "I am asking for an immediate meeting with you ... time is of the essence."

On Wednesday morning Valcourt's office confirmed the meeting.

"We have received National Chief Bellegarde's letter, and yes the Minister will meet with the National Chief. Our office has been in touch with the AFN to arrange a time for this meeting," a AANDC spokesperson wrote in an email.

Click here to see the letter