Federal government launches forensic audit of Saskatchewan First Nations group

OTTAWA — Indigenous Services Canada says it plans to launch a forensic audit of an organization representing 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

The department said in a statement Tuesday it is aware of allegations against the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and is reviewing them. 

“The department takes allegations and complaints regarding the misuse of public funds very seriously,” the statement read. 

“To that end, the department has put a process in place to ensure these allegations and complaints are examined properly and that appropriate action is taken.”

The department says that due to privacy concerns, it is not confirming any details about the audit.

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu would not say whether she has seen evidence of wrongdoing, adding the department recently informed her of its plan.

“I think we have to let that unfold,” she said of the prospective audit.

Led by Assembly of First Nations regional chief Bobby Cameron, the federation advocates on behalf of member First Nations on issues such as education and child welfare, both provincially and federally.

The group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2024.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press