Former vice chief of FSIN says leaders should consider non-confidence motion after audit

A former vice chief at the Federation of Sovereign Nations (FSIN) says chiefs should consider removing leadership following a forensic audit of the organization’s books by the federal government. Bob Merasty served as second vice chief at the FSIN in 2016 and said he’s familiar with its inner workings. Merasty ran against Bobby Cameron for leader of the organization in 2021 but lost. “I left in 2017. I was disenchanted with just spinning the wheels and the lack of real progress on any treaty or inherent rights file or any major area that pertains to making lives better for our people, our First Nations people,” Merasty said in an interview with APTN News. The forensic audit alleged that there was $34 million in “questionable, ineligible, or unsupported” spending at the FSIN over a span of five years. “We need to remove those accountable from office because it does nothing to help our unity, which is so important to our nations, the unity. This is not our way. And so our senate, and a lot of those chiefs can come together and push for our non-confidence,” Merasty said. “There is a process within our Convention Act [that] requires a certain number of our leadership to sign a non-confidence motion on our own. And we, I believe, we have the grounds.” For a non-confidence motion to happen, Merasty said 25 leaders out of the 74 First Nations would have to get behind it. “I believe that that’s what we’re searching for now. It’s not just chiefs, but I believe our head men also play a huge role as leaders of their community. So, it would be both. And I believe the investigation is part of it,” he said. Merasty said he was told by the Mounties that a “full scale investigation” can start if there are sufficient grounds with an “official request put forward for an investigation.” Merasty said FSIN Sen. Sol Sanderson made a request for an investigation a year ago, so he believes both conditions have been met. Merasty said he’s been accused of campaigning and that his comments about the audit are politically motivated. But, he said “he has no aspirations politically or otherwise,” and just wants good governance. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron has not spoken publicly since the audit was released. The FSIN did release a statement and fact sheet Friday, countering the findings of the audit. In its rebuttal, the organization said it “cooperated fully and respectfully with the forensic audit process and has consistently worked to keep our Chiefs informed to the greatest extent possible throughout.” “FSIN had planned to provide a full and complete response upon receipt of the detailed report from KPMG, as it is difficult to respond to any allegation without specific details,” the statement said. FSIN said in the release​ it “strongly disputes” a claim in the audit which categorized $23.45 million in expenditures related to COVID-19 protective measures as “questionable” due to incomplete supporting documentation. It asserts that all expenditures, particularly those related to COVID-19 were fully documented. “Despite severe underfunding, FSIN and First Nations did their best to protect our people during this challenging time and were the only ones implementing the famine and pestilence clause for their people,” the FSIN said. “The expenses categorized as questionable totaling $23,451,907 when divided by 166,681 represents approximately $140 per First Nations person in Saskatchewan for an average of $47 each year per person for PPE – all fully accounted.” FSIN also claims that the audit summary’s language was inconclusive and that their responses to KPMG’s 717 questions were seemingly disregarded. “KPMG’s summary contains language that is inconclusive such as “may be in contravention”, “appears” and the term “questionable” itself for which they do not provide a definition,” said the release. FSIN Convection Act A section of the FSIN’s Convention Act pertaining to discipline states there are different grounds which would allow for a non-confidence vote. “The grounds for a motion of non-confidence include a breach of the codes, duties and or responsibilities contained in sections…of this Act,” reads Part 13 of the Convention Act. The procedure is outlined in subsequent sections. “The petitioner must submit to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, from not less than twenty-five (25) member First Nations, support in written form providing evidence from the member First Nation’s elected leadership through a process appropriate to that First Nation of the request for a motion of non-confidence of an Executive member.” Other requirements include providing evidence to support the motion and paying the FSIN $1,000 to offset costs. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) also indicated in a statement following the release of the audit it would be following up on the findings, however no details were provided. APTN subsequently requested further information. “The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) elects their leadership under their Constitution and Convention Act, not under federal law or legislation,” said a statement from ISC spokesperson Maryéva Métellus.  “As such, ISC has no authority or role to play in internal FSIN governance matters. For more information on these acts, we encourage you to speak with FSIN officials.” Only one member of the executive has spoken out about the findings of the forensic audit. The 4th Vice Chief Craig McCallum said Friday he couldn’t stand behind a statement and fact sheet sent out by the FSIN earlier that day. “If we expect Canada to respect our Nations and uphold its fiduciary obligations, then we must also hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability,” McCallum said in the letter. “For that reason, I cannot, in good conscience, stand behind the statement released by the other executive of the FSIN.” Today, he was asked to show up to a virtual meeting by FSIN CEO Martin Paul. “You are required to report to Treasury Board…via Zoom to provide information backing up the allegations and implications in your open letter Oct. 2, 2025,” said an email shared with APTN. The treaty advocacy organization has not been taking questions on the audit findings, outside of the statement. Chiefs have criticized the organization for a lack of transparency and McCallum also called for the organization to “acknowledge what has gone wrong.” APTN has reached out to the FSIN on several occasions for comment but has not heard back. Tags: Accountability, Chief Bobby Cameron, covid-19, First Nations, FSIN, investigation, non-confidence, RCMP, Sen. Sol Sanderson, Senators, Vice Chief Continue Reading