Forensic audit of James Smith Cree Nation finances welcomed by chief

The chief of James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan is welcoming a forensic audit announced by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Friday. Kirby Constant said the nation “received formal notice” that a forensic audit will begin shortly. It’s to be conducted by KPMG and overseen by the Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of ISC to cover the period from April 1, 2018 to present. “Since the day I was elected Chief, this has been a priority,” Constant said in a news release. “I began raising concerns early, including discrepancies in COVID-19 funding that was supposed to flow through the (Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations) FSIN.” Constant calls the forensic audit a necessary and welcome step. “I support it fully and will ensure that everyone tasked with working on your behalf for the Nation cooperates fully,” Constant added. He added that he’s been working with the chiefs of the two other communities that make up the Nation to “make sure that processes and requests sent to administration to support ongoing accountability are completed in a timely manner.” James Smith Cree Nation is comprised of three distinct communities: James Smith, Peter Chapman and Chakastaypasin. Constant said in addition to initiating the forensic audit, he’s been laying “the groundwork for new processes that strengthen financial oversight and improve how we govern and deliver services. “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to finance, every effort is being made to ensure that the structures we put in place truly serve our people, and that outdated or ineffective approaches are replaced with ones that reflect accountability, transparency and community wellbeing.” Constant has been raising concerns about a $1 million-discrepancy in funding for COVID-19 that was to be distributed through the FSIN. According to a news release last year, James Smith has still not received clarity or an explanation from the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The FSIN itself has been the subject of a forensic audit initiated by ISC in March 2024. That audit is focusing on the FSIN’s expenditures dating back to April 1, 2019. Portions of the audit have been brought to light showing $20 million in spending unaccounted for. Continue Reading