Brad Wall calls FSIN leader's criticism 'ridiculous'

A war of words is underway between Premier Brad Wall and the acting chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in connection with a fatal reserve fire.

Speaking to reporters last week, Wall was asked about the fire on the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, in which two toddlers died.

A neighbouring community, Loon Lake, used to be responsible for fighting fires on the reserve, but had stopped providing the service after its bills weren't paid. 

Asked by a reporter last Wednesday if there is a need to oversee funds or create some mechanism to resolve disputes, Wall had this to say:

"It underscores the need for leadership at the local level, including — and let's be clear — including on the part of chiefs and council," he said. 

"We also saw a report on the fact that chiefs and council in this province and right across the country get paid, as they should, for their services and some of them get paid a lot. You know, they get paid to make the decisions, to make choices on behalf of their members of their First Nation and protection and safety have to be at the top of the list."

In response, FSIN Kimberly Jonathan sent out a press release denouncing Wall's comments, saying they exemplified the "paternalistic approach" First Nations receive at the hands of the federal and provincial governments.

That any leader would exploit the deaths of innocent children and use a tragedy such as this to attack all First Nations leaders is inherently wrong and truly unfortunate.- FSIN interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan

“That any leader would exploit the deaths of innocent children and use a tragedy such as this to attack all First Nations leaders is inherently wrong and truly unfortunate," Jonathan said.

"To suggest that First Nations leaders are not concerned about the safety and well-being of their citizens is baseless," she said.

"Had Premier Wall shown true leadership by discussing these issues directly with First Nations, he would have found that action is being taken.”

Wall replied with a statement of his own Tuesday, in which he called Jonathan's remarks "ridiculous."

I would never even think to exploit the tragic loss of any life.  For interim Chief Jonathan to suggest this is ridiculous.- Premier Brad Wall

"Like every other person in Saskatchewan, my heart broke at the news of the loss of the two children at Makwa Sahgaiehcan," Wall said.

"The context for my remarks to the media was the importance of local leadership on this issue of fire protection on First Nations and I stand by them. Indeed, in those remarks I thanked Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas for his leadership on this very issue," he said.

"I would never even think to exploit the tragic loss of any life. For interim Chief Jonathan to suggest this is ridiculous."

WalI said he also stands by his comments that fire protection is a local responsibility and all leaders — both on and off reserves — must assume that responsibility and protect their citizens.

On mobile? Here's Brad Wall speaking to reporters Feb. 25 about fire protection and leadership.