Audit flags $34M in FSIN spending; Saskatchewan vice-chief calls for transparency, oversight, and trust rebuilding among First Nations.
FSIN Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Practices
Craig McCallum, newly elected 4th vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), is urging accountability and transparency following a forensic audit that identified $34 million in questionable spending. The audit, covering April 2019 to March 2024, included $30 million in COVID-19 funding, of which $23.5 million was flagged as questionable.
Leadership Response Sparks Criticism
McCallum released an open letter this week criticizing the FSIN executive’s public response to the audit. “I cannot, in good conscience, stand behind the statement released by the other executive of the FSIN,” he wrote, calling for transparency, humility, and engagement with the federation’s membership. The executive’s initial response claimed all expenditures followed FSIN policies and financial controls, though the full KPMG report remains confidential under Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) rules.
Commitment to Reform
Although McCallum’s tenure began after much of the audited period, he emphasized the need for change moving forward. He pledged to document all financial decisions, advocate for independent oversight, and foster an environment that encourages open dialogue within FSIN. “Denial and deflection will not restore trust. Industry is watching, Canada is watching, and most importantly, our people are watching,” he stated.
FSIN’s Role and Responsibilities
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan and serves as a unified voice for defending Treaty and inherent rights. McCallum stressed that FSIN must remain in service to its nations rather than above them. “FSIN itself is not a rights holder, our nations and their people are. We must act with the humility and love that our ancestors taught us,” he wrote.
Turning a Crisis into Opportunity
McCallum framed the audit as a potential turning point for FSIN. He suggested that taking the findings seriously could lead to stronger stewardship and restored credibility with both Indigenous communities and the federal government. “If we deny and deflect, we will only lose more trust and credibility with the people we represent and with Canada,” he cautioned.
Next Steps
News outlets and stakeholders await further comment from FSIN leadership and ISC regarding audit implementation and transparency measures. Meanwhile, McCallum’s call for accountability underscores growing pressure on Indigenous governance bodies to maintain financial integrity and public trust.
