“As leaders, it is our responsibility to collectively set the path that leads to a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
- Perry Bellegarde
Perry Bellegarde has been working with others to lay that path with concrete results for over two decades. From his work at the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and as the Regional Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, he has accomplished many things through teamwork.
• In keeping with his promise to honour those who served, Perry, as the Saskatchewan Regional Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, fought to help First Nations veterans get some of the compensation and benefits they deserved but did not receive upon their return to Canada after their military service. In partnership with the National First Nations Veterans Association, Perry worked to secure a national multi-million dollar compensation package for First Nations veterans and their spouses.
• Undaunted by initial rejections, Perry persisted to provide information that resulted in the successful settlement of the specific claim resulting in the restoration of lands in Fort Qu’Appelle to reserve status for Treaty Four First Nations. Here, the Treaty Four Governance Centre was built as a place for Chiefs and the people to gather in accordance with the treaty.
• Perry negotiated the transfer of the Fort Qu’Appelle Indian Hospital to First Nations control, which resulted in the building of the multi-million dollar All Nations Healing Hospital. Incorporating traditional medicine into the hospital design, this facility serves as a powerful example of the contribution First Nations people make to not only their own people, but to non-First Nations communities as well.
• Perry was part of the team that created the Urban First Nations Delivery Centre called the Regina Treaty/Status Indians Services (RTSIS) which provides support with housing, employment, education and other training programs.
• Perry facilitated negotiations between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Province of Saskatchewan that resulted in a 25-year Gaming Agreement. This agreement led not only to the expansion of two more First Nations controlled casinos in the province, but allows for a process whereby First Nations jurisdiction over gaming on-reserve can eventually be recognized.
Perry Bellegarde carries the same unwavering energy, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence from his past pursuits into his future endeavors. “I maintain a strong belief in our First Nation traditions and laws, in the power of cooperation and partnership, and in processes that unite rather than divide.”
Click on the image above
to watch a short video documenting Perry's more than twenty years as a
First Nations leader
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