Released on July 16, 1996
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, (SERM), MinisterLorne Scott today announced the signing of an understanding to operate
an integrated resource management program with the Federation of
Saskatchewan Indian Nations, (FSIN), and Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada, (INAC).
The program provides summer apprentice positions, under the direction
of SERM staff, for 16 aboriginal integrated resource management
graduates and second-year students. It is proposed that the
approximately $200,000 program will be cost shared equally between the
province and the federal government, with the FSIN administering the
program.
Scott supports this year's program expansion into the technical areas
of forestry, fisheries, wildlife and land use. "In the future, there
will be increased need for aboriginal involvement in all aspects of
resource management and the program should reflect that expanding
role."
"This program is a co-ordinated effort involving First Nations and
government agencies," FSIN Chief Blaine Favel said. "We see it as
positive step toward protecting our future interests in the area of
resource management."
In 1994 and 1995, the program created 10 positions supervised by SERM
conservation officers. This year the students will be working with
SERM conservation officers, a wildlife biologist, two foresters, a
fisheries biologist and a land-use planner.
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For more information, contact:
Murdoch Carriere
Aboriginal Programs Manager
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7832
Gordon Iron
Co-ordinator for Indian Conservation Officer Summer Program
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Phone: (306) 236-4448