NPC chiefs vote for forensic review of its finances


VANCOUVER-

Delegates to the Assembly of First Nations have accepted a forensic examination of its finances dating back at least a decade in a resolution that says there is a serious problem within the Assembly that is causing “a breach of the reputation “.

It comes after National Chief RoseAnne Archibald claimed she was suspended last month for trying to investigate corruption within the organisation.

The executive committee said Archibald had been suspended while an investigation into four complaints made against her by her staff was ongoing.

Chiefs voted for his reinstatement on Tuesday and a vote of no confidence in Archibald’s leadership was removed from the assembly without a vote on Wednesday.

Ahead of the audit’s approval on Thursday, some chiefs expressed concerns about the cost of the financial review, while others called it a necessary process to “establish the truth”.

Chief Lance Haymond of the Kebaowek First Nation in Quebec was the seconder of the resolution. He said now is the time for a new model of governance that allows the assembly to connect with its people.

“It’s great that you know we’ve been using this model for 40 years, but it’s broken. Let’s do the work. Let’s get the answers the Chiefs are asking for, and work towards a more renewed and better APN that truly addresses the realities we face today.”

The resolution also calls on the National Chief and the AFN Executive Committee to come together to heal their relationship, participate in the human resources investigation to resolve staff complaints, and cease speaking to the media until that the investigation is over.

Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis told delegates that the verification and other measures approved in the resolution will enable a process that will provide evidence.

“When you make accusations of corruption, gender bias, you know, nepotism and all that, you’re accusing us because we’re the assembly and that’s something that needs to be very clear.”

After the vote, Serpent River First Nation Chief Brent Bisaillon stepped up to the microphone and expressed his disappointment.

“with the actions of the assembly” and announced that he would leave the meeting early.

“This is not leadership. This is not what our people expect of us as leaders,” he said.

“Our young people have called this assembly to inaction, and the past few days have been mired in drama and ego.”

Bisaillon said his country would suspend its participation in the rest of the Assembly in “these times of uncertainty, distractions and lack of leadership within the APN”.

Rosalie LaBillois, co-chair of the AFN youth council, said Wednesday that politics and disagreements over leadership at the rally got in the way of the most important Indigenous topics.


This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 7, 2022.