Aly Bear, a lawyer and former third vice-chief, has officially announced her candidacy for Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), drawing support from nearly 20 chiefs. Bear’s campaign promises to restore the organization’s vision and unity, which she believes has been lost in recent years.
“Having the support of my Chiefs really gave me that hope that restoring the vision of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations can come to fruition,” said Aly Bear. Longtime Chief Matthew Peigan of Pasqua First Nation, who nominated Bear, echoed this sentiment. “We’ve lost that vision, we’ve lost that strength, we’ve lost that unity, we’ve lost that compassion,” said Peigan. “And we don’t have a plan. So, basically, we’re ineffective. I believe we need to hit the reset button — we need new leadership.”
Bear’s candidacy presents a challenge to incumbent Chief Bobby Cameron, who is seeking a third term. Bear emphasizes her commitment to accountability and a high standard of moral and ethical integrity. “Our nations deserve a Chief that is accountable to them and is rooted in truth with a high standard of moral and ethical integrity,” said Bear. “This is critical to upholding our First Nations’ values and ensuring that FSIN is a leader at both local and national levels.”
Bear’s legal background has proven invaluable to Indigenous communities. “We needed support, and we needed someone to come in and help. And with Aly’s background as a lawyer, it was imperative she met our families,” said Dorthea Swiftwolfe, a missing persons liaison with the Saskatoon Police Service. “Aly was able to explain to our families, work with our families and support our families.”
Should she win, Bear will make history as the first woman elected as FSIN Chief. “I will continue to fight alongside our nations to ensure our treaty and inherent rights are respected and upheld,” said Bear. “Together, we will restore the FSIN to its original vision — to be a body that serves and protects the treaty and inherent rights of our 74 nations, the rights holders.”
