Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (July 22/05) - The Acho Dene Koe First Nation administration has done nothing wrong, according to Chief Floyd Bertrand, after the band's financial records were examined.

But Harry Deneron, a former chief and a candidate in the July 14 election, says much of what was brought forward has damned him.

"The whole purpose of that, I can see now, is to make me look bad," Deneron said, adding that all the wealth he created in the community was completely overlooked. "This is a one-sided thing here."

One topic of controversy was a $100,000 gift RRSP fund for Deneron after he left office.

It was reportedly approved by Judy Kotchea and her council, but it remains unclear how much of that money Deneron ever collected.

After more than 20 years as chief, he said he walked away without a pension, "absolutely nothing."

Referring to the RRSP, he added, "If the band wants to take it back, they can take it back."

Contentious items

Other contentious items highlighted by a team of auditors from the firm Deloitte and Touche in Prince George included the sale of the Liard Valley General Store for $1 more than 15 years ago; the Acho Dene Koe's trust fund; the purchase of some duplexes; and transactions involving Shiha Energy Transmission Ltd., an Acho Dene Koe business venture.

Bertrand said the forensic audit topics were all concerns raised by band members. He pointed out that if a new chief and council take office they may try to suppress the report's findings.

Asked if any criminal charges will be sought as a result of the audit, Bertrand replied, "Not right now, no."

He said the accountants verified that the chief's current $90,000 salary and council's honorariums are in line with that of their predecessors. They also confirmed that the band's trust fund "is still there," despite rumours that it is being depleted, said Bertrand.

The meeting wasn't open to the media, but attracted upwards of 30 people.

A written audit report will be available to the public when it is finalized next month, Bertrand said.