AFN delegates vote for financial audit

VANCOUVER (CP) — Delegates at the Assembly of First Nations have agreed to a forensic review of its finances dating back at least a decade in a resolution that says a serious problem exists within the assembly that is causing "reputational harm."

It comes after National Chief RoseAnne Archibald claimed she was suspended last month for trying to investigate corruption within the organization. The executive committee said Archibald was suspended while an investigation into four complaints against her by her staff is conducted.

Chiefs voted to reinstate her on Tuesday and a non-confidence vote was withdrawn.

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

Chief Lance Haymond of Kebaowek First Nation in Quebec said the time has come for a new governance model.

“It’s great that you know we’ve used this model for 40 years, but it’s broken,” he said.

The resolution also calls for the national chief and AFN executive committee to heal their relationships, take part in the human resources investigation and stop talking to the media until the probe is complete.

Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis told delegates the audit and other measures in the resolution will allow for a process that provides proof.

“When you make accusations about corruption, gender bias, you know, nepotism and all these, you’re levelling that accusation against us because we are the assembly and that is something that needs to be very clear.”