By Canadian Taxpayers Federation ——Bio and Archives--February 11, 2013
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"Currently, members of Chief and Council and staff are indebted to the First Nation for over $260,000 ($190,000 in 2011). These amounts receivable from Chief and Council and staff are contributing to the bank indebtedness on which the First Nation is paying interest each month."According to one band member, some council members have allegedly been helping themselves to some pretty sizeable cash advances and not repaying the funds. The audit also includes this tidbit: "During our audit testing it was found that expenditures made to individuals for distribution to others did not have the supporting documentation required to ensure the funds were distributed properly. The individuals receiving the cash is [sic] at risk to allegations of improper usage of the funds." Fortunately there's a bit of good news in all of this chicanery. This issue only came to light because a lady named Stella Isnana was elected to council not too long ago. Shocked by the egregious manner in which public funds were being thrown about, Stella appealed to the community's senate; a body made up of local elders. Elder Marita Crant, chair of the senate tried to meet with the chief and council to hear their side of the situation. However, as the chief and council refused to meet, Crant impeached the whole lot; with the exception of Stella. Now all the community needs to do is figure out a way of getting the band's chequebook and keys to the band office out of the chief's hands-- he isn't going away without a fight. He even tried suggesting to one media outlet this is just "politics." Yes, it's politics alright Mr. Redman. But the thing is, you're apparently terrible at it. You've ripped off taxpayers and even your own band members. It's time to hand in the keys and chequebook chief. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Colin Craig is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
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