“On behalf of the 74 Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, Senate, Veterans and Staff, we thank the Harper family for sharing Elijah Harper with us during his extended career in public service. His dedication to serving his people as a former Chief of Red Sucker Lake First Nation and all people of northern Manitoba in both the Manitoba Legislature and Parliament of Canada will be remembered,” says FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Elijah certainly earned the respect of First Nations peoples across Canada and will also be remembered for upholding our Constitutional interests during the Meech Lake Accord. While he said, ‘No’, to the Meech Lake Accord, he said yes to reconciliation and equality for indigenous peoples. And we forever thank Elijah for that. Elijah stood for our Treaty and Inherent Rights in his many appointments including his tenure as Commissioner on the Indian Claims Commission. He remains in our hearts and our minds as a strong advocate for First Nations peoples.”

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.