It represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan and is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Numbered Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of these promises made over a century ago.
[4] In 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.
"[4] Chiefs and leaders gathered in Fort Qu'Appelle in 1946, amalgamating provincial groups to become the Union of Saskatchewan Indians with John Tootoosis as president.
[8] The intent of FSIN and its precursors, was the defense and protection treaty rights, land and resources, and came from the desire to "foster [the] economic, educational and social growth"[2] of their people.
Another source reports Harold Greyeyes and the "Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Administration (ARDA), in co-operation with the FSIN," established SIAP in 1974.
"[18] Regardless, SIAP was funded in 1975, incorporated in 1978 (with a new logo designed by indigenous artist Gerald McMaster[19]), and ended in 1995,[12][20][10] though another source states 2002.
[18] SIAP aimed to 'promote interest in the agriculture industry, develop economically viable farm units and to improve the productive capacity of Indian reserve lands.
However, the thrust of the program is being modified with major emphasis now on the development of large (5-10,000 acre) band owned farms.
Rep. in the February 1979 Saskatchewan Indian profiles only four successful band farms, including Star Blanket, and notes reasons for the failure of others.
"[18] In 1993, Ken Thomas made a presentation to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, outlining the successes of the program.
[26] Gerald Starr, a Tom Longboat Award Winner from 1952, manager of Star Blanket Farm,[23][27] is recorded as chairman of the board in the 1980s.
Founded as the Saskatchewan Indian Community College in 1976, apparently as an off-shoot of the Federated College[44] with a focus on adult education programs, and awarding certificates and diplomas in various technological and vocational fields,[42] SICC's name changed to Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies[2] (SIIT) in 1985.
[45] The Worldcat Identities database record for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians clearly shows a time frame for their publications, based on items held at various libraries.