FSIN chief slammed for presence at NDP campaign event, absence at Liberal event
The interim chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Kimberly Jonathan, is getting flak for her appearance at a federal election campaign event Monday morning in Saskatoon.
A Liberal party campaign worker is accusing Jonathan of favouring the New Democrats.
NDP leader Tom Mulcair made a campaign stop in the Saskatoon West riding, to pledge more money to shelter victims of family violence.
Jonathan was seen on national TV standing at Mulcair's side at the podium.
Duelling Facebook posts
In a Facebook posting, Liberal campaign volunteer Julia Johnston wrote: "Interim Chief Jonathan of FSIN two weeks ago snubbed attending (Liberal leader Justin) Trudeau's 2.6 billion dollar announcement on First Nations education but throws herself behind Mulcair's announcement of 10 million dollars per year for shelters off reserve. Why is FSIN endorsing NDP's meager announcement and snubbing their noses at a historic $2.6 billion dollar investment in aboriginal youth?"
Johnston, who is the mother of Saskatoon West Liberal candidate Lisa Abbott, told the CBC that Jonathan received an invitation to the Trudeau event three hours in advance, and therefore, should have sent a representative.
"I'm ticked that she ignored this event," Johnston said.
Jonathan was unavailable late Monday afternoon and evening to respond to those details, although she told reporters at the Mulcair event, "I didn't receive an invite from Justin Trudeau when they were in Saskatoon."
She also specified, "we have to, as an organization, remain non-partisan."
Mulcair offered to share podium
Jonathan wrote on her own Facebook posting that she was invited personally by Thomas Mulcair to attend and share concerns about missing and murdered indigenous womehn.
"I was encouraged to say anything I would like to say. He offered to share the podium which would be far reaching - nationally. That was not only a generous offer, but one I could not refuse."
Jonathan went on to write that Mulcair's event, "was the first time any of the party leader candidates have personally extended respectful invitation to have me attend and to have an opportunity to voice. Who knows, maybe in the future there will be opportunity for attendance and shared platform by others."
Jonathan also noted she has formally requested meetings with all candidates, and so far had received one response.
She also wrote that she has invited all candidates to the First Annual Strength of Our Women Awards Gala, to be held Sept. 10 in Saskatoon.
Jonathan ended by saying that she will work with anyone who is willing to work with First Nations people to advance their concerns.
"Far too long our people haven't been heard and they haven't been provided the respect to speak. Please do not allow our women and children's messaging of pains be lost in this."
