Group calls on FSIN to address audit findings, repay $29M in grants

A letter sent to FSIM Chief Bobby Cameron is accusing the organization of breach of trust after reviewing the results of a forensic audit.

Calls are growing for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to take accountability after the federal government asked for repayment of nearly $29 million in misspent grants revealed in a forensic audit.

The Band Members Alliance and Advocacy Association of Canada (BMAAAC) is calling on the organization and its chief, Bobby Cameron, to reconsider its position of denying any wrongdoing and work with BMAAAC to correct any wrongdoings and restore the reputation of the FSIN before its too late.

“We have a few chiefs now coming forward to say that, yes, there is a problem at FSIN, and we need to do better,” said Rob Louie, president of BMAAAC.

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The advocacy association specializes in helping band members across the country access the justice system, focusing on transparency and accountability in First Nation governance.

Louie wrote a letter addressed to Chief Cameron Wednesday asking for him and the rest of the executive to resign, issue a public apology, commit to making amends with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and to providing monthly updates to Indigenous people in Saskatchewan to restore confidence in the organization.

The FSIN has had an indelible impact on Saskatchewan.

It’s responsible for launching the Indigenous casino industry in the province and creating SIGA, effectively wresting control of gaming from the provincial government and creating a massive new source of revenue for the 74 First Nations it represents.

Now, Louie says it needs to demonstrate to its membership that it’s a responsible fiscal manager.

“Those chiefs that I did talk to have all said the same thing – that they are concerned about the longevity of FSIN, and some of them do worry that this might be the demise of FSIN,” Louie said.

Cameron responded to a leaked review of the audit on Monday by excluded all but Global News and one tribal council-run news outlet from the press conference. Cameron said the FSIN would go to court to defend its position, claiming no wrongdoing or misuse of funds.

CTV News has attempted to reach Cameron and the FSIN on multiple occasions and has yet to receive a response.