JAMES SMITH CREE NATION — Chief Kirby Constant of James Smith Cree Nation posted on social media that he had received welcome news: a forensic audit will be conducted to investigate irregularities in funds related to discrepancies in COVID-19 funding that were intended to flow through the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
"Formal notice was received on Friday from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), confirming the audit will be conducted by KPMG and overseen by the Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of ISC," Constant said.
The audit will review expenditures from April 1, 2018, to the present, according to Constant’s office.
"Since the day I was elected Chief, this has been a priority," Constant said. "I began raising concerns early, including discrepancies in COVID-19 funding that was supposed to flow through the FSIN. Your questions and your patience have not gone unnoticed. Behind the scenes, I have been working steadily to move this process forward."
Constant emphasized his full support for the audit and pledged the Nation’s cooperation.
He said he has been working to establish new financial oversight processes and improve governance structures within James Smith Cree Nation.
"This includes reviewing existing systems and identifying where changes are needed to better reflect the needs and priorities of our members. From governance to finance, every effort is being made to ensure that the structures we put in place truly serve our people, and that outdated or ineffective approaches are replaced with ones that reflect accountability, transparency and community well-being."
Constant added that he will continue to keep members informed throughout the audit process, sharing updates when possible.
James Smith Cree Nation, located northeast of Prince Albert, is home to three Cree communities—James Smith, Chakastaypasin and Peter Chapman bands—and has been active in advocating for improved accountability and governance across Indigenous leadership in Saskatchewan.
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