“Although the law says people on reserves have the right to band audit documents and politician pay levels, band members are often denied such details,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “When band members ask local Department of Indian Affairs offices for help, they are often told to go and ask their band for the information. Thus they get caught in a loop and often don’t receive the details. Our new site aims to help them get more answers.”
While Department of Indian and Northern Affairs rules are clear -
“Band councils are required to release to their membership audited financial statements, which include a schedule of salary, honoraria and travel for all elected and senior unelected band officials” – disclosure of such documents often does not happen. Access to special audit documents are also very difficult for band members to obtain.
“If band members can’t get information from their bands, they need to request it from the National Complaints Officer and copy our office,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “If they still don’t receive the information, we’ll try and help them expose cases where the government isn’t upholding their own law.”
The CTF has written
Minister Chuck Strahl and has recommended placing audit documents and band pay information for all reserves on the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs’ web site. It would help show all Canadians, including people on reserves how bands are spending public dollars. Further, as band members often face retribution for speaking out, placing the documents online would help protect them.
Quotes from Band Members:
"I am glad to see that there is a band transparency web site being launched, it's unfortunate that it's necessary, however that is the sad reality of many First Nations Bands these days." - Annie Brass, Kawacatoose First Nation Band Member, Saskatchewan
“In the past I have been threatened and attacked for speaking out and asking questions.” - Albert Taylor, Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation, Manitoba
“The government is far away and state you have to go through the local INAC office [for information], where they refer you back to the leadership. I have requested copies of the budgets for several years from both INAC and Chief and Council and have never received anything.” - Whistleblower, Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta
“First Nations under band custom have difficulties in acquiring accountability from their first nation leadership. The department of Indian Affairs washes their hands of the problem every time.” – Lac des Mille Lac Alliance Council, Ontario
"People in my community routinely have trouble getting information from our band council." - Phyllis Sutherland, Peguis First Nation, Manitoba
“My Band keeps its members in ignorance, no meetings, no committies and no information on band budgets or expenditures. Keeps them in power and free spending for themslves and their supportors.” - Norman Martell, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan
“My Chief and Council of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation need to be more accountable and transparent with the funds that the band receives, and, to expend those funds accordingly for efficient and effective delivery of the programs and services that they were entrusted with.” - Mike Ahmo, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Manitoba
“Our community’s politicians need to be accountable. If they have nothing to hide then they would disclose how they are spending band funds.” - Solange Garson, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Manitoba
