A release distributed Wednesday to media regarding recent ‘attacks’ on Attawapiskat in wake of a critical financial audit’s release.
January 9, 2013, MOOSE FACTORY, ON – Grand Chief Stan Louttit of Mushkegowuk Council is outraged by portrayals of Chief Theresa Spence and the Attawapiskat First Nation as irresponsible and lacking the ability to manage the affairs of the community. In the days leading up to the meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday, January 11, the Grand Chief sees that some public commentators seem to want to discredit Chief Spence and the community. Grand Chief Louttit says that the public focus should be on the meeting of January 11 and the desired outcomes rather than vilifying Chief Spence and the community of Attawapiskat.
“The January 11 meeting is an important and critical opportunity for dialogue and to work towards some key deliverables into the future” stated the Grand Chief. “That should be the focus. All of this concentration on Attawapiskat’s fiscal issues is not doing anyone any good, only adding sensationalism to the issue.” The Grand Chief went on to state that the Deloitte audit did not observe evidence of misappropriation of funds as suggested by some media types and general public perception, only evidence of lack of supporting documentation.
“At the height of the Attawapiskat housing crisis over a year ago, the Attawapiskat First Nation made it very clear to the government that they would welcome a forensic audit to be carried out. The government chose not to conduct such an audit only to settle for a limited audit by the firm of Deloitte. If the federal government is so hell bent on insisting that there has been misappropriation of funds then they should do the right thing and conduct a forensic audit” stated the Grand Chief.
The First Nation received the Deloitte report in September 2012 and has been working with its advisors and staff in actively enforcing new procedures for the issues identified in the report. The First Nation has brought in new expertise and a new co-manager to support their efforts at increasing financial transparency.
As well, the audit by Deloitte was not conducted at the best of times. The management of the First Nation was engaged in transporting and installing 22 mobile homes to begin addressing the housing Crises. At the same time they were engaged in a legal battle with the government to remove the imposition of Third Party Management. A battle that the community won when the Court ruled that the Harper government should never have imposed such draconian measures in the first place.
During this tenuous time for the First Nation, every payroll was met and essential services were maintained by a small core management group of community members under great strain. When the Deloitte group were in town, the amount of time they made available was very limited. For example, the Deloitte officials were taken to the warehouse where old files were retained to locate records. After about 30 minutes in -20 degree weather, they abandoned their search and never returned to the warehouse. The auditors gave up their search of records and now are vilifying the Chief and First Nation for not having back up documentation.
This example illustrates the trying circumstances of this audit given the legal and political attacks on a community with a severe lack of capacity. If there had been a concerted effort and ample time given for the report, the Grand Chief is certain that a different set of conclusions could have been reached.
The First Nation Chief, Council and staff are adamant that they will overcome this period of turmoil. Chief Spence is committed to the cause of improving First Nation accountability, fiscal management and has already taken steps to do so.
The Grand Chief believes that the concentration should now be on Federal and First Nation relationship building. The January 11 meeting can be a catalyst for improving that relationship that was first cemented in the making of Treaty #9 over 100 years ago.
Chief Spence is currently on day 29 of her hunger strike. Chief Spence has gone on record as stating that results have to come out of the January 11 meeting and only then, will she consider giving up the hunger strike.
Grand Chief Louttit is calling on the Prime Minister to take advantage of this chance to foster change in Crown and First Nation relations. “This is an opportunity for both the First Nations and the Prime Minister to work together to move forward” stated the Grand Chief. “We cannot let this opportunity slide by. Too much is at stake. If nothing concrete comes out of this meeting, the Idle No More movement will ramp up, more hunger strikes will take place and a strained relationship will worsen. We cannot let this happen” concluded Grand Chief Louttit.
For further information contact: Grand Chief, Dr. Stan Louttit: 705 658 4222 Blackberry 705-288-0157. email: stanlouttit@mushkegowuk.ca
Mushkegowuk Council is a regional organization that represents the collective interests of the Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree, Moose Cree, Taykwa Tagamou and Attawapiskat First Nations in northeastern Ontario.
Categories: General
let the facts speak for themselves. There has been a complete abuse of funds. There has been no accountability.
Chief Spence on a hunger strike is just a joke. She could afford to loose a few pounds she might live a little longer.
The Indians seem to be a law unto themselves. The Government is deathly afraid of confrontation with the Indians.
It’s up the the band members to sort this mess out and change their chiefs.
Failing that then they deserve each other.
What more can the white man give them?
And as for the white politicians using them for a photo op it’s disgusting.
I’m ashamed of Paul Martin I always had respect for him
Trudo is a joke. He’s going no where. He’s still wet behind the ears and his performance in this debacle shows he’s no leader and never will be
I was an elementary school teacher in Moose Factory some 30+ years ago and some of the Louttit family were in my classes. They were were more quiet than the others…very hard working. One family memeber was my Anglican priest. A very fine and honest family. I really appreciate Stan’s article…and I trust him.
Thank-you Grand Chief Stan for clarifying. Admittedly some of the negative news gave rise to doubts. You are so right about the need to focus on the key issue and not be distracted by the “gossip”.
How can the government move forward on “key deliverables into the future” when there is so much unaccounted for in the past [$104 million]? The Grand Chief seems to think the government delivers only pocket change. The excuses offered for the poor record-keeping [fighting the Third-Party Management, the housing crisis, -20 degree temperatures] are ridiculous and have absolutely nothing to do with the actual issue. It’s very difficult for the average taxpayer to embrace the betterment of First Nations when their various leaders are so irresponsible….year after year!
Unfortunately the mis-management of funds and the many millionaire chiefs means that too many aboriginal people in Canada are living in squalor as funds committed to them are lost, stolen or simply mis-managed.
Is it the fault of the government or other Canadians feeding first nations with cash and continuing tax breaks? No, it is not. The blame (or fault or whatever you wish to call it) falls right at the feet of each of the leaders and the ridiculous amount of money some of them make personally for leading a very small group of people.
If you want to fix the problem then forewarn all aboriginals under the age of majority that once they reach that age they will be 100% EQUAL to all other Canadians. They will have no funds directed their way other than the social services afforded ALL Canadians. They will be deeded a small piece of the thousands of acres the band manages (or mis-manages, depending who you ask) where they may build a home, acquire a mortgage and support a family like ALL Canadians. They will have only those tax breaks afforded ALL Canadians and will be treated the same as ALL Canadians from a tax perspective.
The more responsibility and accountability you give people, the more responsible and acountable they become. Give ALL first nations people this responsibility and accountability and stop the handouts.
It is very unfortunate, Ms. Spence did not provide all the facts re her Reserve, that it had adequate resources to help those in need. There was no cause to indicate a crisis on her Reserve last year. Using funds for daily living to be invested for future generations was ill conceived.
In my opinion, her hunger strike was also derailed when she politicized it by allowing opposition members of Parliament but no government visitors. To me this is where the public lost interest in her cause. However she could have salvaged her intentions if she had only declared a victory, from her understanding, when PM Harper agreed to meet with Native leaders. By erratic statements and flip-flopping on her new intentions, the press is mauling her. She should go home to her family and at the same time save her health.
I am a Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and find it hard to believe when people like Archie talk about tax payers money or land. This is all our land and you should high tail it back to what foreign land you came from. Most Europeans came to our land seeking refuge from the turmoil in your foreign countries. My grandfather fought for this land during world war 2 and was a POW and what did the government give in return. 200 x 200 land on reserve with no value and a small house while his non native vets received hundreds of acres each and bigger homes that had value. My father fell victim to the horrific turmoils of residential schools. I am totally pissed off at Harper and his supporters who are not properly educated in our history and Canadian history at that. I certainly can go on and on all day! I am flabbergasted when you talk mismanagement when you see Canada throwing money at wars in the middle east (billions)and spending billions on relief efforts world wide when they can’t even look after it’s own people. It’s truly unfortunate to find some people believing twisting stories or falling victim to negative press that Harper controls. All third party managers should be held responsible and accountable for this so called mismanagement and Indian affairs for doing such a lousy job since it was created. This is another can of worms that should be opened as almost half of the money allocated to first nations in Canada get swallowed up by the bureaucrats of government and staff.
We are finally standing up and voicing our concerns and remember this. We do not lose court cases too often as we have VALID TREATIES. We are getting stronger as we progress into the future as 40,000 new Mi’kmaq received their rights and status a couple of years back in NFLD. 750,000 plus received theirs in recent days and I am sorry to burst you bubble as we do pay Taxes and we have Doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants and very well educated and specialized tradesmen and even provincial and federal politicians who will not sit IDLE!
I cannot believe Louttit would come to the defense of Spense.She is the poster child of all that that’s wrong with the the relationship between FN’s and Government.Canadians are fed up with the constant drain of resources directed at FN’s with nothing to show for it because of corruption and then be told it’s not enough.
Dear Al
As long as natives like yourself wallow in self pity you will remain wards of the state living off the taxes of hard working Canadians.Get the chip off your shoulder.
Sorry to say this but Harper does not control the media–the liberals and NDP DO. PM never had a media so blame the mess on NDP and Liberals.
In fact, CBC, CTV, GLOBAL, G/M, T/S etc speak for the liberals and ndp only. the rest of the country the public are meaningless to them.
Regardless of what the government tries to do, regardless of what all the non-native people continue to say, First Nations people will NEVER stop fighting for what our ancestors believed they were signing in the treaties. People conveniently forget that we are the true original owners of this great land; the Europeans would’ve never survived the harsh conditions when they first arrived without the knowledge and aid of the native people. Our leaders who signed the treaties must’ve had incredible foresight to determine what their people would need. It’s quite obvious that we’ve now outgrown our current treaties as many were signed over 100 years ago, so let’s bring it up-to-date or perhaps there are other options to look at. I’m just sick and tired of reading all the racist remarks….but I had a great laugh thinking of those who made all these types of comments when they saw the news ruling in the Metis favor….our numbers are growing & growing!! LOL
Hey guest1320
There is no self pity here. I have worked all my life and my wife also. I lived a good life as a police officer and now work in a professional job. My dad worked all his life and so did my grandfather. We have paid our taxes, The ones you cry about so heavily. My children play sports and actually one was drafted to the NHL so don’t give me your BS. I am a First Nations person true and true. Ignorance and feeling superior in race will always bring out the best of individuals like you. Go back to where you grandfather or you great grandfather is from. Times are changing and we are also as a society, Mr or Mrs creative thinker. Look at the USA, we have a black President and soon we will have a First Nations Prime Minister seeing everyone wants to be First Nations now!
my thoughts exactly Al…
Chief – if the shoe fits wear it.
Those those of you who think this land is YOUR LAND ONLY..remember there is about 35 million Canadians…and we wont stand for injustice either!!
This land does NOT belong to First Nations!
Why do some people keep saying that it does? Is it because that’s what.
they want you to believe? Well then the marketing campaign must be working.
Let’s get this straight…
1. These people’s ancestors did not just appear in North America magically out of thin air one day 50,000 years ago. They came in waves across the land/ice bridge from Asia.
What’s more these waves in many case were not related.
groups of people.
They came from various places around North Eastern Asia and were from different genetic strains….in other words the “natives of North America are not a homogenous group of people and more importantly….
They are immigrants too, like millions of immigrants today.
2. The idea that the “natives” were peaceful caretakers of the land or benevolent tenants couldn’t be further from the truth.
The various tribes warred on each other constantly.
They were violent. Want proof? Ask the Hurons…oh that’s right.
you can’t.
The Iroquois wiped them out. How about slavery that was rife among the first nation tribes until the Europeans came over and freed the slaves and put an end to this “valued cultural tradition”? Is slavery peaceful and humane?
3. The idea that we “stole” this land from them is also ridiculous. A more
technologically advanced and numerous culture invaded and conquered. This is exactly what has been happening since the dawn of humanity all around the globe.
To say we “stole” their lands is just plain wrong. That is akin to saying the Saxons should return England to the Angles.
Or maybe we should launch a campaign to have Roman descendants give Italy back to the Etruscans.
It is a nonsensical notion driven by the politically correct bleeding hearts, some intellectually deficient politicians, the Government, and it will continue to cost this country needless and wasted billions and billions until we get some backbone and turn off the taps.
Are these people in trouble? Yes.
Do they need help? Yes.
Are they responsible enough to look after themselves and efficiently spend the billions the tax payers give them? Certainly not.
The only way to fix this situation is to bring them into society as equals.
They should be getting jobs and paying taxes like the rest of us because in reality, they are no more special than any of the other hundred or more cultures that call Canada home.
Turn off the taps. Do away with this “traditional use” and “cultural” nonsense.
Educate their children to become modern citizens, instead of finding their identity and source of pride in some folks who occupied the land 15000 years ago.
Let them stand or fall on their own account. Just like the rest of us have to do!
Al,guess what?My Grand Father and Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather were born in Canada.Your “this is our land” and if whitey doesn’t like it they should go back to Europe is becoming very tiresome.Your posts are infantile at best.
I served my country for 40 years as a member of our Armed Forces. I am deeply concerned where this country is heading under Harper. His abuse of power and disrespect of parliament and democracy is inviting radical behavior, not only by aboriginals but other Canadians such as our wonderful veterans who are getting short changed by the Canadian government with their New Veterans Charter. I for one do not propose any kind of violence but I do encourage strong protests to Harper’s CONibus Bills C38 and C45. Therefore I support the Idle No More Movement and hope it grows (peacefully).
‘….in other words the “natives of North America are not a homogenous group of people and more importantly….
They are immigrants too, like millions of immigrants today.’
Exactly! Red, if a blood test was taken from one of thenatives that resembles a North Eastern Asian ; probably it would find relatives in N.E.A.
the bering strait land bridge…. a theory…. there is all kinds evidence to proof man was everywhere…. fact; the treaties were signed …. as long as the rivers flow…. these agreements are not being fullfilled…. so our honorable chieftian have asked the pm and gg to sit and talk about the issues… but they chose not to talk, but blame her for …. not using the monies as they should be… since her term the fn has been running things as they should be… given another few yrs things would have been better… but the cries of her people… she could not wait… to catch their attention she took the route she did…. and captured the world’s attention… she wants to talk…. discuss… address what not happening as outline in the treaties… our roots are here… we are first nation people as described within the treaties
mtg with pm for the indian act…. gg for the treaties, crown’s representative… hmmm… now queen says gg for canada…. gg says pm cause its political… and pm says she’s not elected representive at the national level… well queen can make gg talk to pm…. gg can make pm address the request… pm can meet theresa… his cabinet can commend him to talk to theresa… they to have power…. and gg … he has power… it is not his signature thats make the bills law???… or is it only his signature that bought through a salary that make our jaws drop… and i hear he is getting a raise… 100% plus… all is arguable but what is not is that we are first nations as described in the treaties and the treaties were signed…. in the name of the crown… who was george at the time…