A member of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations executive says he cannot stand behind his colleagues’ response to a scathing forensic audit last week that flagged $34 million in questionable expenses.
Craig McCallum, who was elected 4th vice-chief of FSIN in October 2023, issued an open letter this week to Saskatchewan First Nations leadership.
“I cannot, in good conscience, stand behind the statement released by the other executive of the FSIN,” McCallum wrote. “Only transparency, humility, and the wisdom to listen to our people will heal the wounds caused by secrecy.”
The letter comes a day after FSIN released its first public response to the audit, conducted by KPMG LLP at the request of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
The audit reviewed a five-year period between April 2019 and March 2024, including $30 million in COVID-19 funding. The summary released by ISC classified $23.5 million of related expenditures as “questionable.”
FSIN maintains it followed all its own financial policies, provided receipts for every expenditure and operates under “a robust system of financial controls.” The federation also said it cannot fully respond without access to the full KPMG report, which ISC says it will not provide due to confidentiality rules.
McCallum, who held office for only five months of the audit’s review period, said he cannot speak to past decisions but is committed to change moving forward.
“Denial and deflection will not restore trust,” he said. “Industry is watching, Canada is watching, and most importantly, our people are watching.”
McCallum pledged to document and report all financial decisions in writing, advocate for independent oversight, and work toward “a healthier environment within FSIN” where open dialogue is welcomed and silencing is not tolerated.
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. It was created under the Convention Act to be a united voice for Indigenous Nations and to defend Treaty and Inherent rights.
McCallum said that purpose “must not be lost.”
“FSIN itself is not a rights holder, our nations and their people are,” he wrote. “We must never act above them, but always in service to them, with the humility and love that our ancestors taught us.”
McCallum said the current moment should be used as a “turning point” for the federation.
“If we take the audit seriously, it can be the beginning of stronger stewardship and spiritual integrity,” he wrote. “If we deny and deflect, we will only lose more trust and credibility with the people we represent and with Canada.”
CBC News has reached out to FSIN leadership and the ISC for further comment.
