A First Nations chief is raising concerns over what he says is a lack of financial transparency at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.
Recent media reports stated the a not yet released forensic audit of the organization showed $20 million in unaccounted spending.
The FSIN has never commented on the audit or the recent media reports.
This week, Chief Kirby Constant of the James Smith Cree Nation released a statement calling for financial transparency from the organization.
He says if the FSIN continues to remain silent on the matter trust in the organization will begin to “erode.”
“It is difficult to stand for fairness, transparency and inclusion when our own representatives body is contributing to a culture of uncertainty and untrustworthiness,” Chief Constant was quoted. “When leadership remains silent, it weakens the collective strength of First Nations.”
Chief Constant has previously raised concerns over Covid-19 funding that was expected to flow through the FSIN during the pandemic.
Constant has claimed there was a $1 million discrepancy in that funding and he says he has never found an explanation as to why that happened.
The First Nation’s chief says at a time when Indigenous rights are being threatened strong representation is needed, but he feels that is something that is missing.
“This is not a personal criticism, It is a call for responsibility,” said Constant. “If FSIN wants to continue trying to represent our Nations on the national stage, it must first demonstrate that it is willing to be accountable to the people who gave them the mandate.”
The full forensic audit ordered by Indigenous Services Canada is expected to be released publicly in the coming months.