John Tootoosis is a key figure in the history of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. John Tootoosis is a key figure in the history of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. (Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan)

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, which represents almost all First Nations in the province, is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Here are some key dates in the history of the organization, including important milestones leading up to the creation of its direct forerunner, the Union of Saskatchewan Indians, in 1946.

  • 1919 – Mohawk Indian Frederick Loft helps establish the Indian League of Canada, based in Ontario.
  • 1921 – The League holds an annual congress in Saskatchewan, at the Thunderchild First Nation.
  • 1929 – The League of Indians of Western Canada is formed, with John Tootoosis of the Poundmaker First Nation the first president. Residential schools and land issues are among the concerns of the day.
  • 1933 – A group of Saskatchewan First Nations, known as the Allied Bands, reorganize to become the Protective Association for Indians and their Treaties.
  • 1943 – The Association of Saskatchewan Indians, led by Joe Dreaver, is formed and quickly grows to become one of the largest bodies representing First Nations in the province.
  • 1946 – A meeting of the League of Indians of Western Canada is convened at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. Leaders of other groups, including the Association of Saskatchewan Indians and the Protective Association, are invited to discuss amalgamation. At a second meeting, at the Barry Hotel in Saskatoon, three provincial First Nations organizations join forces to become the Union of Saskatchewan Indians. John Tootoosis is selected president.
  • 1958 – The Union group is reorganized to become the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians.
  • 1976 – The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, the forerunner of the First Nations University of Canada, is established.
  • 1982 – Saskatchewan chiefs meet in an Indian Legislative Assembly and agree to restructure the FSI to become a Federation of Nations. The name of the group is expanded to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.
  • 1996 – Indian gaming agreement allows for First Nations control and operation of on-reserve casinos.
[Sources: FSIN / Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan]