Chiefs vote for transparency

Chiefs voted Dec. 14 to lead by example by committing to transparent and accountable decision-making structures in their communities.
“I applaud the chiefs who demonstrated that, despite unfounded and alarmist attacks by our critics, First Nations fully believe in accountability and transparency and are dealing with this issue head-on,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo during the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly, which is being held from Dec. 14-16 in Gatineau, Que.
“Chiefs spoke passionately today about the many efforts and initiatives across the country that provide full accountability and transparency for their people. I know myself that chiefs have a multitude of roles and responsibilities and work hard. We stand strong and united to say that First Nations are not only not afraid of change and transparency - we are blazing the trail forward.”
The chiefs voted to re-affirm their commitment to maintaining transparent and accountable decision-making structures in their communities, including clear and timely access to audits and public accounts; itemizing and publicly disclosing salaries, honoraria and expenses and ensuring information about community finances and decision-making are easily accessible and available via the Internet where applicable.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said NAN currently publishes its annual audit in Wawatay News as an accountability tool to their communities.
“That demonstrates the NAN chiefs are prepared to talk about transparency and total accountability to their members by example,” Beardy said.
Beardy said the average salary of First Nation leaders in Ontario is $27,543.
“I would not be surprised if it was even lower in NAN territory because our leaders are very responsible,” Beardy said. “They are very conscious about being accountable to their members.”
Beardy said NAN chiefs lead by example with regard to responsibility and accountability.
“I know the majority of chiefs within NAN territory would place their members before themselves,” Beardy said.
Now that the chiefs have voted for full accountability and transparency, Beardy is asking for the federal government to disclose the amount of money earmarked for First Nations people that is actually spent on the wages, benefits and pensions of federal bureaucrats and the construction and maintenance of office spaces.
“The Auditor General has indicated that Indian Affairs alone has 5,000 salaried positions, all the way from headquarters to the janitor,” Beardy said. “When we talk about Indian monies allocated by Parliament, you are talking about the complete envelope, so a large portion of that is taken up by various federal departments that are trying to administer those funds on our behalf.”
Auditor General of Canada Sheila Fraser attended the Assembly Dec. 14, where she urged the federal government to find new ways to work with First Nations.
“First Nations citizens have waited far too long to have a level of services that other Canadians receive every day and take for granted,” Fraser said.
Atleo said First Nations fully support the call for partnership with Canada as the path to progress.
“The AFN initiated work on accountability with the Auditor General, Treasury Board Secretariat and Indian and Northern Affairs - an initiative terminated by the federal government in 2006.
“First Nations are doing their part and we call on Canada to work with us on a new, better approach to accountability,” Atleo said.