Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (July 15/05) - The Acho Dene Koe First Nation's financial records have been examined and the current administration has committed no faults, according to Chief Floyd Bertrand.

But Harry Deneron, a former chief and a candidate in the July 14 election, questioned the timing of a July 6 public meeting to discuss the forensic audit. Much of what was brought forward has discredited him, he contended.

"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."

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 denied that the timing of the meeting was intended to influence the electorate, but 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. Well, they've still got to look more to finalize the report. Then the auditors will give us recommendations on what we should do."

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.

Deneron refused to believe that. He suggested the auditors were not given full terms of reference.

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

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

Eva Hope, a band member, said the information presented last week left people more confused than before.

"It's hard to ask questions when you don't have papers in your hands," she said, adding that she was asked to leave the community hall when she inquired about break-ins and staff activity at the band office.

The audit has cost the band a maximum of $30,000 to date, Bertrand said, adding that the final bill has yet to arrive.

"I would say it was money well spent," Bertrand contended. "It cleared the air, anyway."