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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
First Nations chiefs in the NWT have mixed reactions to the federal government forcing a vote to pass the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.

Herbert Blake Jr.: Inuvik chief wonders where First Nations will find the resources to comply with accountability measures. - NNSL file photo

On Nov. 21, John Duncan, the minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, said it's unfortunate a forced vote has to take place but due to a lack of support from the Liberals and NDP, he said "this is the only way this important bill will be passed."

The opposition parties have stated the federal government did not properly consult with First Nations concerning the act.

While seemingly all chiefs in the NWT support the idea of being accountable to their people, at least one chief is questioning the motive behind the push of Bill C-27.

"There's accountability that they expect from federal dollars, and I don't have a problem with that, but federal dollars also go to the provinces and the territories," said Herbert Blake Jr., chief of the Inuvik Native Band. "This is something we have to comply with and that needs to be extended to everybody that receives federal dollars."

The First Nations Financial Transparency Act was introduced last fall. It would require all First Nations to publish the salaries and expenses of their leaders, as well as their audited consolidated financial statements.

"(First Nation community members) want assurances that those (public) funds aren't being used simply to benefit a select small group of community members. We believe that all First Nations have a right to access this information," said Duncan.

Federal, provincial and municipal governments have all introduced legislation and rules to make more information available to the public. While Blake said he supports the idea of keeping all levels of government accountable, he also questioned where the band would get the resources to meet the expectations contained within the bill.

"There's a whole number of questions we need to ask instead of trying to strong arm a bill through the house. That's not democracy to me," said Blake. "This (Conservative) government, they made all these promises to make things right in this country and what they're doing is creating dissension amongst the ranks. We were kicked around a long time and now were starting to have some ownership over what we do and how we do things and now all of a sudden it's wrong again."

Chief William Koe of the Tetlit Gwich'in Council in Fort McPherson said he doesn't think First Nations in the NWT have to worry about accountability and transparency. He thinks it's reserves and bands in the south that this bill might be targeting.

"If they want to see my salary, my doors are open. I have an open-door policy as a chief. I don't hide nothing," said Koe.

"That definitely should be an open process for sure in regards to payments in regards to council and leadership because of accountability," echoed Chief Tim Lennie of the Pehdzeh Ki Dene Band in Wrigley.

But Sahtu Chief Frank Andrew of the Tulita Band Council said there should be more discussion around the bill before it's passed.

"I think we should be discussing this and try to understand what they're saying," he said.

Third reading debate of Bill C-27 will commence on Tuesday, Nov. 27, according to Geneviève Guibert, a spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

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