(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

MAKWA SAHGAIEHACAN FIRST NATION

Investigation underway at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation after reports of ‘financial weakness’

Apr 3, 2020 | 12:39 PM

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation is undergoing an internal investigation after band officials noted a “financial weakness,” according to a letter addressed to community members dated April 2.

Chief Ronald Mitsuing told meadowlakeNOW he is disappointed, but could not provide much detail as an RCMP investigation is underway.

Sgt. Ryan How of Loon Lake RCMP confirmed there has been contact with Chief Mitsuing.

“It is hard, but transparency is what I was working for. It hurts me personally and I thought that we finally found someone who would help our band be transparent, then this happens,” Mitsuing said referring to now former CEO and band manager Barry Mitsuing Chalifoux.

(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

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Chalifoux, the Chief’s adoptive son, is being replaced by Emerson Kyplain.

Both Chalifoux was contacted for comment by meadowlakeNOW but did not immediately respond.

Kyplain said council was notified of the issue on April 1 and made changes to staff immediately.

Mitsuing said any financial discrepancy hurts the band and the youth of the community.

“For the citizens of Makwa Sahgaiehcan, we want to be transparent in every department and we don’t want the community to suffer any further losses,” he said. “Everybody has to face their decisions, right or wrong.”

Mitsuing could not disclose the dollar amount being questioned or when the investigation would be concluded.

The letter states the alleged weakness has been corrected and there is no financial losses to the community. It also states the band’s duty is to represent the nation with full transparency.

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Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated the discrepancy was first noticed on March 26 based on information obtained from a band press release. The band’s interim band manager and director of finance Emerson Kyplain confirmed in an email the date was in fact April 1.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722