SASKATOON — Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Chief Mark Arcand is concerned that a growing division may be developing among Saskatchewan’s First Nations leaders, particularly over the forensic audit conducted by Indigenous Services Canada on the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations' finances.
The recently released report revealed that $34,251,566 in funds are questionable and unsupported, based on the forensic audit conducted by accounting firm KPMG from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024. FSIN officials were informed of the results of the forensic audit report on Sept. 11.
Arcand, who was joined by several tribal chiefs and other band officials in a media conference on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Starlight Room of the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, was firm and persistent in demanding transparency from the FSIN executive, led by Chief Bobby Cameron, on its expenditures for the last five years.
He said it is the FSIN leaders — from Cameron to the four vice-chiefs — who need to clear the issue and come clean in producing proof that might put to bed speculations and suspicions, as they owe it to the leaders and people of the 74 Nations under the governing body of First Nations in Saskatchewan.
“We have to look at things through a different lens and say we can't go through this anymore because this is probably one of the biggest scandals in First Nations history, and it's happening in Saskatchewan? It's not acceptable. It's not right, and again I'll say this: what are we showing our young people from Saskatchewan who aspire to have good careers?,” said Arcand.
“You heard one of our young councillors say this: follow rules and regulations. This is the type of leadership we need. But to have leaders that are in this position that makes all of us look bad, and for chiefs to stand up and say we support this. That's on them. They have to take ownership and stand up in front of their people and say, ‘I support that the FSIN is $34 million in debt.’”
He cited the way the Saskatoon Tribal Council operates, with him being the chief of the seven-member nations — Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Muskoday First Nation, One Arrow First Nation, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and the Yellow Quill First Nation — where they show transparency on every cent they spend.
“We give an honest answer because we do not want to be painted with the same brush. I look at our community, Chief [Kelly] Wolfe, he's my chief. He posts our audits on the website for our members to see. If they have any questions, they call him or the council. That's complete honesty and transparency, and we need leaders like that,” said Arcand.
He said that, as a member of the FSIN Treasury Board and the STC chief, he has been alienated and stood alone for asking tough questions. However, he is okay with being an outcast and being labelled a troublemaker for not unquestioningly supporting the FSIN executive, as he believes he is doing the right thing for the people they govern.
“I'm going to continue helping people the best that I can, following the rules and regulations. I can’t support mismanagement. The facts are now here. However, if we remain silent, it means we're enabling. I'm in a position of responsibility to the people that I serve. I must conduct myself with integrity, values and respect. Do I get challenged in my organization? Absolutely, and I encourage it. Our board of directors ask me the tough questions.”
White Bear First Nation Chief Jonathan Pasap echoed Arcand’s comments, stating that the forensic audit is an issue that affects every Saskatchewan First Nation, as it is the organization that has the mandate to protect their treaty and inherent rights. However, he thinks the FSIN has lost its mandate.
“As a rights holder, this makes things even more difficult for our nation. To protect the treaty and our inherent rights to self-determination. Our non-profit corporation is dividing us, is dividing all of us as rights holders, and this is not its purpose. Our ceremony and culture teach us to lead with humility and kindness,” Pasap said.
“I respect the titles of the elected officials, but it's time for them now to speak. This is your chance to start the discussion. The duty of care and the fiduciary duty are the responsibilities of the board of directors, which is comprised of the elected FSIN officials. In the future, comprehensive corporate and governance reform will be necessary, accompanied by increased oversight.”
Pasap, joined by Savannah Standingready, a newly elected councillor of White Bear First Nation, added that FSIN’s mandate of protecting their treaty and inherent rights must be enforced. Many can’t wait for the October FSIN General Assembly for the executive to provide answers, and the conversation must begin now.
Wolfe, the current Muskeg Lake Cree Nation chief, where Arcand is a member, James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant, Flying Dust Cree Nation Chief Robert Merasty, and Mistawasis Nehiyawak Councillor Desiree Dreaver also spoke. They challenged the FSIN executive to provide answers on the forensic audit.
SaskToday reached out to FSIN and will update the story when more information is available.
