Onion Lake Cree Nation and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation are among 9 Saskatchewan Indian Bands who have not complied with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
In a media release on Thursday, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Bernard Valcourt said the Government will be taking action against non-compliant First Nations.
Valcourt says the First Nations will face provisions of the law including withholding funding of non-essential programs, services and activities.
The Federal Minister does say that the sanctions will not target essential services that support band members.
The Canadian Taxpayers federation says the new rules will provide better first nations government and more accountability for chiefs and band members.
Spokesman Colin Craig says some of those numbers have resulted in chiefs being ousted from office.
“It just shows that transparency is a powerful tool for the grassroots to hold their leadership accountable and we are glad the government tabled this legislation,” said Craig.
Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation said they have fulfilled their requirements under the Act.
According to a media release, Chief Bear says revealing financial statements is essential to building trust among their membership and these transparency requirements are a common-sense part of running a government.
The WDFN Chief also said being victims of fraud last summer provided them with challenges in getting their statements out in a timely manner.
The other First Nations who have not complied include: Cowessess Band, English River First Nation Band, Fishing Lake First Nation Band, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, Ochapowace Band, Poundmaker Band and Thunderchild.
Onion Lake Cree Nation decided to take the government to court over the act.
Nationwide 53 First Nations have failed to comply.