From left: FNUniv Board member Karen Bird, FNUniv Board member Fabian Head, PAGC Executive Director Al Ducharme, Sen. Nolan Henderson, Senator Sol Sanderson, FSIN Vice Chief Craig McCallum, Elder Maria Campbell, FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, and Trina Joseph. (Photo credit: Tina Pelletier)

By paNOW Staff

Senator 'Sol' Sanderson

Pioneer in Indigenous governance and education honoured

Jun 17, 2024 | 12:08 PM

A man whose life is dedicated to the advancement of First Nations rights, sovereignty and Indigenous education was honoured recently by the First Nations University of Canada.

Senator Solomon Sanderson, a member of the Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation was born in 1941 at James Smith First Nation. He served as chief of his reserve for three terms and as the leader of the Federation of Sovereign Nationals from 1979 to 1986, where he currently serves as a member of its senate.

“As a member of James Smith Cree Nation, Senator Sanderson has always been a source of inspiration and pride for our community. His pioneering initiatives in education and governance have laid a strong foundation for future generations. We are immensely proud of his achievements and the honour bestowed upon him by the First Nations University of Canada,” said Chief Calvin Sanderson of Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation.

A press release from the Prince Albert Grand Council suggested under Sanderson’s leadership, “First Nations became much more active in asserting their political rights, culminating in the inclusion of these rights in the Canadian Constitution in 1982.”

It said Sanderson was instrumental in ensuring that treaties were entrenched in the Constitution and recognized at the international level. He led a delegation to London to lobby the British Parliament on behalf of Treaty Indians.

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“A founding leader of the Assembly of Frist Nations, Sen. Sanderson was a senior spokesperson at the First Ministers’ Conferences on Indigenous issues. He played a crucial role in advancing Indian government, including control over First Nations schools and three post-secondary institutions: the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, now known as First Nations University of Canada.”

In 1969, Sanderson played a role in organizing Indigenous leadership in Saskatchewan to thwart the 1969 ‘White Paper Policy’, which aimed to abolish previous legal documents relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Indian Act and treaties. It also aimed to assimilate all Indian peoples under the Canadian state.

In 1972 he assisted in creating the ‘Indian Control of Indian Education Policy’ and the following year established the first First Nation-controlled school in Canada at James Smith Frist Nation.

“Senator Sanderson’s legacy is one of empowerment, education, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of First Nations. His life’s work has set a powerful example for future generations, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice, equality, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. His contributions have profoundly influenced the landscape of Indigenous education in Canada, and it is our privilege to honour him for his outstanding achievements,” said President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann of the First Nations University of Canada.

In 1982, Sanderson chaired the World Assembly of First Nations, which brought together representatives from 33 countries to discuss self-determination and sovereignty. His international advocacy efforts included representing First Nations issues at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, among other global forums.

Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said, “Senator Sol Sanderon’s contributions to Indigenous education and the advancement of First Nations rights have been monumental. His work has not only empowered our community but also ensured that our voices are heard and respected at both national and international levels.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com