Saskatchewan First Nations
Family and Community Institute

On-Reserve Income Assistance Quarterly Meeting Sept 9-10, 2025

On September 9 and 10, 2025 the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute (SFNFCI) hosted the On-Reserve Income Assistance Workers Quarterly Meeting at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

These meetings are held every quarter, and they are one of the larger events we host. Both days are always well attended by on-reserve Income Assistance and Social Development workers along with representatives from ISC, FSIN, AFN, and SFNFCI. Day One, September 9, had about 120 participants both in-person and online. Day Two, September 10, had about 80 participants both in-person and online.

Each day began with an opening prayer and song by Elder Wally Awasis, followed by an overview of the day’s agenda.

Key Topics Covered in the Meeting.

  • Review of last meeting notes
  • ISC Updates followed by Q&A session with Jason Yew.
  • FSIN Update from Isadore Wichihin
  • Updates from SFNFCI staff leading the IA Reform Project
  • Training opportunities provided by SFNFCI
  • Roundtable updates from each community and worker in attendance where participants share successes, what’s not working well, and what’s next for the community.

 

Dr. Helaina Gaspard, Managing Director IFSD, and her team (Alice Lussato and Sahir Khan) made a presentation on an Income Assistance (IA) Program Analysis project they are working on and led the group through a guided discussion.

IFSD Advisors Ltd. (IFSD) is contracted by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to develop a First Nations-specific funding model for the Income Assistance (IA) Program based on First Nations recommendations. For more information on this work, please visit IFSD’s website. IFSD – The Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy

The project will:

  • Assess the IA Program
  • Define First Nations-led practices with contributions from First Nations
  • Develop an approach to data gathering and performance framework
  • Estimate costs for First Nations-developed reforms

 

IFSD Advisors Ltd. (IFSD) is a research consulting firm hosted at the University of Ottawa that engages in applied research in public finance and its intersection with public administration, politics, and public policy. Led by Kevin Page, Canada’s first Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), IFSD undertakes its work in Canada at all levels of government as well as abroad.

The event wrapped up with a closing prayer and song by Elder Wally Awasis

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