Some First Nations share finances
Seven of 22 NWT First Nations have disclosed information under First Nations Financial Transparency Act
Randi Beers
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 6, 2014
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The financial information for First Nations bands across the territory are starting to trickle in and leaders and citizens alike are reacting favourably to the increased transparency.
2013/14 NWT chief salaries disclosed under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act
- Yellowknives (Dettah) Dene Chief Edward Sangris - $116,000
- Yellowknives (N'Dilo) Dene Chief Ernest Betsina - $86,308 for 9.5 months in office
- Tulita Dene First Nation Chief Frank Andrew - $84,399
- Aklavik Chief Danny Greenland - $83,160
- Salt River First Nation Chief Frieda Martselos - $78,000
- Sambaa K'e (Trout Lake) Dene First Nation Chief Dolphus Jumbo - $50,000
- Behdzi Ahda Dene First Nation Chief Alvin Orlias - $47,868
- De Gah Got'ie Dene First Nation Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge - $46,639
Source: Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development |
Chief Alvin Orlias, of Behdzi Ahda First Nation in Colville Lake, is one of seven leaders to submit information to the public registry so far. He said his nation did it "as soon as the government asked."
"We have nothing to hide," said Orlias.
Charlie Furlong, member of Aklavik First Nation, agreed and said he doesn't see the controversy in First Nations reporting their salaries and expenditures.
"Yeah, it's a good thing, if it's made public it should be seen by members of the community," he said.
Charlie Furlong, member of the Aklavik Indian Band which has also submitted its finances, agrees. He doesn't see the controversy in First Nations reporting their salaries and expenditures.
"It's a good thing, if it's made public it should be seen by members of the community," he said.
In March 2013, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act passed through the houses of Parliament in Ottawa. It requires First Nations governments across Canada to report financial statements and a schedule of earnings for band chiefs and council to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC). Leaders who elect to withhold information risk losing government funding.
Making band members' salaries available to the public is particularly helpful in promoting transparency within First Nations governments, said Ahda.
"It's a good thing these numbers came out too," he said. "Look at the chief who had only 80 members in British Columbia who paid himself $800,000. A lot of these First Nations communities should look at their agreements with development officers because a lot of these agreements have 10 or 15 per cent signing bonuses."
Kwikwetlem First Nation Chief Ron Giesbrecht made national news earlier this year when he reported personal earnings of $914,219, including an $800,000 bonus related to economic development.
So far, Orlias seems to be one of the lowest-paid chiefs in the territory with a salary of $47,868 and expenses of $8,655.
"I'm not complaining," said Orlias of his salary.
"I have a lot of children but making ends meet it's a little tight living paycheque to paycheque, but with the wife working we're doing alright."
For him, serving as chief is to be a "champion for the community" and said he doesn't see himself doing this job for personal gain.
"As I see it, all the bands got cut back on their (federal) funding for the whole year, so I'm not going to go to my band and ask for a raise," he said.
"We are trying to make our community a better place and if we keep siphoning money off we are not going to get anywhere."
Financial information submitted by individual first nations can be found in a searchable database on the AANDC website. According to the site, the department posts information it receives as soon as it comes in.
