Financial transparency debate heats up on local reserve

PA Now Staff

A Saskatchewan First Nation's chief is defending his council's transparency record.

A number of bands in the province are requesting the Federal Government conduct audits on their reserves, claiming their own councils have been unwilling to provide financial information.

One of those requests is from members of the Beardy's Okemasis First Nation, near Duck Lake.

“There are political indifferences on reserve, a lot of unhappy people,” said Chief Rick Gamble, who was not surprised by the request.

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Gamble said council is very transparent. An audit is done every year and the information is available in the band's newsletter.

“And they also have the right to come into our finance department and request the information, but instead they prefer to spread gossip and it goes out of whack and this is what happens,” Gamble said.

Gamble said they have a band meeting scheduled for Nov.4 and if anyone has any concerns or questions, they can raise them at the meeting.

Gamble said he makes 65,000 dollars annually.

A report this week from the Canadian Tax Payers Federation indicated there are 30 band chiefs across Canada who make more than the average Premier, which is a little less than $110,000.

nmaxwell@rawlco.com