LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
RCMP confirms it is still investigating a several-year-old case of "fraud or theft" from the Liidlii Kue First Nation band office.

An investigation is underway to determine where money from the Liidlii Kue First Nation office, shown here, went in the past. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

During a membership meeting last week, a woman asked acting-chief Steven Jose whether anyone was looking into what happened to the money.

"We're waiting for the RCMP to do their job on this," Jose said.

He went on to tell the 30 or so people at the meeting that there are confidentiality issues at play so he couldn't say much more.

It wasn't said at the meeting how much money went missing or when it happened, but Climate Muyambo, who works for LKFN, later told the Drum it is an issue that dates back several years and the person involved no longer works for the band.

Apart from confirming the investigation is ongoing, RCMP spokesperson Const. Elenore Sturko told the Drum Jan. 27 she couldn't provide any further details about it.

Deficit concern

The meeting also saw member Martina Norwegian question whether there is a plan to reduce a deficit of about $1 million at Nogha Enterprises Ltd.

"How are you going to get out of that," she asked the band council.

"How are we going to get back in the black?"

Nogha Enterprises Ltd. is the economic development arm of LKFN. According to its profile on the Industry Canada website, it has annual sales of between $1 million and $5 million in the construction and engineering services sectors.

Norwegian was told that while there still is a deficit, there is a plan to return to profit.

Muyambo reiterated that point to the Drum, saying steps are being taken.

Norwegian said she learned of the deficit by reading through the audited financial statement of the company, provided to members at the band meeting.

The Drum also requested a copy of the audit, which was declined, with an explanation the documents were for members only.

Election of chief

One of the main topics of discussion at the membership meeting was when to fill the vacant chief position.

Chief Minnie Letcher, elected in 2013, died after a battle with meningitis last year.

Sub-chief Jose has been acting chief for the past few months, but this means balancing his role with another job.

Members were asked whether they would support moving the election forward to elect a new chief.

However, those who spoke resoundingly told the councillors at the meeting Jan. 22 that they want the election to take place in June as was previously scheduled.

"We're still mourning," he said.

"We're going to be in mourning for a long time," said Jonas Antoine.

Wilbert Antoine echoed the sentiment.

"We were all shocked, we were all saddened. It will probably be a while for the grieving process," he said.

Jose said he'd be OK with remaining as acting chief until the next election.

"It's pretty good ... it's a lot of work," Jose said about the position.