The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations wants Ottawa to provide direct compensation payments for emergencies, such as damage caused by wildfires.RAFAEL MARCHANTE/Reuters
Some First Nations in Saskatchewan say they are still waiting for compensation payments for damage caused by wildfires in 2015 that forced thousands of people from their homes.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says the system of having federal disaster money flow through the provincial government or other agencies isn’t working well.
Chief Bobby Cameron says the FSIN would like to see the federal government pay First Nations directly.
He says there are homeowners near La Ronge and on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation who still haven’t received their disaster assistance payments.
Cameron says a more direct funding system should also be used for other emergencies such as floods and crime.
He says working to get payment from the province is too challenging.