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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is refuting allegations made by a former band councillor who has sent a letter to the prime minister seeking his help to force an election.

Barbara Powless-Labelle, a former Yellowknives band councillor, has written a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper in hopes of forcing the existing Yellowknives leadership out of office. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo

In her letter, Barbara Powless-Labelle outlines concerns about "corrupt" council members, a lack of public consultation and "mismanagement" of funds from the band's public and impacts benefit agreement (IBA).

"The integrity, the values, the vision, the ethics, the morals, the human standards and rights are gone," said Powless-Labelle. "We have lost all confidence because (the council) doesn't keep us abreast of what's going on."

In response to Powless-Labelle's correspondence to the prime minister, the council released a prepared statement Friday.

"Ms. Barbara Powless-Labelle, a past council member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, has on many previous occasions voiced similar concerns which have been addressed," the press release said. "The comments made bear little resemblance to the actual facts and are generally ill informed and totally without foundation."

In her letter, Powless-Labelle calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his help in ensuring that there is a new election. She wants Chief Ed Sangris removed from office and also wants the election policy changed so that only one member of each family can run.

"The biggest family is always getting in power and getting the majority of the power. And they always do things the way they want them, not the way they should be done," she said.

A band member who interacts with council on a regular basis said he agrees with many of Powless-Labelle's concerns. The band member, who requested anonymity, said there is a lack of accountability and transparency on the council's part, especially when dealing with the band's finances.

He said he has been informed by the Yellowknives Dene council that audits have been on the band's finances but he and the rest of the Dene band members have yet to see them.

"People want to know. It's their money," he said. "If (the council) hasn't done anything wrong they shouldn't be worried Š What are they trying to hide?"

Dettah resident and Dene band member Henry Beaulieu said he shares similar concerns about the band's finances.

"We are left out," said Beaulieu. "If you phone (the council) they will probably tell you, 'Oh ya, they're allowed to see (the financial report)' but that's a big lie."

In its prepared statement, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation responded that every year an audit is completed and submitted to the Government of Canada. If members want to see the document or other council documents they can request that information from the band office, the statement reads.

The press release also states that the chiefs and council encourage their members to actively participate in community events and issues.

"With a well-informed public, which communicates effectively with its leaders, our communities can address the concerns and needs of its members in a fair and effective manner," the press release reads.

Powless-Labelle, on the other hand, said council has created a culture of fear by bullying and discrediting any members who voice concerns.

Nearly six years ago, Powless-Labelle was removed from council and "banished" from the community on the advice from Yellowknives elders. She said the reason for her banishment was that she was asking too many embarrassing questions about band fiances. However, when Powless-Labelle launched a lawsuit in early 2007 to fight her banishment, former Dettah chief Peter Liske filed an affidavit accusing her of being confrontational and angry in her dealings with chiefs and other politicians. Her membership to the First Nation was later restored after the band settled out of court.

But the intimidation continues still, she said. The band member who asked not be named and Beaulieu both said council had tried to discredit them for bringing concerns forward.

The Prime Minister's Office did not confirm receipt of the letter prior to press deadline.

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