A member of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) executive has expressed disagreement with his colleagues’ reaction to a critical forensic audit that identified $34 million in questionable expenses. Craig McCallum, who assumed the role of 4th vice-chief of FSIN in October 2023, recently penned an open letter addressed to Saskatchewan First Nations leadership.
In his letter, McCallum stated his inability to support the statement issued by the FSIN executive, emphasizing the importance of transparency, humility, and listening to the community to address the issues stemming from secrecy. His letter followed FSIN’s initial public response to the audit conducted by KPMG LLP, at the request of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), that scrutinized expenditures over a five-year span, including $30 million allocated for COVID-19 relief, with $23.5 million of related expenses deemed “questionable” by ISC.
FSIN has maintained that it adhered to its financial protocols, furnished receipts for all outlays, and operates under a robust financial control framework. The federation highlighted its inability to provide a comprehensive response due to the unavailability of the complete KPMG report, withheld by ISC citing confidentiality regulations.
McCallum, having served during a brief period within the audit’s timeframe, acknowledged his inability to comment on past choices but affirmed his dedication to instigating transformation going forward. He stressed the necessity for accountability and transparency, emphasizing the significance of rebuilding trust, not just within the organization but also with the broader community and stakeholders.
In outlining his commitments, McCallum pledged to meticulously document and disclose all financial decisions, advocate for external oversight, and strive towards fostering a culture within FSIN that encourages open communication and rejects any form of suppression. He reiterated the fundamental purpose of FSIN as a collective voice for 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, emphasizing that the organization exists to serve the indigenous communities and uphold their rights.
McCallum underscored the current juncture as pivotal for FSIN’s future, noting that a sincere response to the audit could pave the way for enhanced governance and spiritual integrity. He warned against dismissing or deflecting the audit’s findings, cautioning that such actions would erode further trust and credibility with both the represented communities and the wider Canadian populace.
Efforts to obtain comments from FSIN leadership and ISC by CBC News are ongoing.
