Asking me to leave underscores Southern Chiefs Organization’s problems with accountability and transparency
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By Trevor Greyeyes
I got the media advisory through the email but apparently that was just an ‘advisory’ and not an ‘invitation’ to the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) update on the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project when I was asked to leave.
Apparently, that email was just a ‘media advisory’ and not an ‘invitation’ to the apparently invitation-only event.
So, out of all the journalists assembled there, I was the only one SCO and their security bothered to check to see if any of the other journalists had an invitation.
Of course, to be open and fair, I have been highly critical of SCO and its grand chief since the news and pics came out of him laid out on the concrete in front of an Ottawa strip club while he was there to attend an Assembly of First Nations assembly in early December 2024.
Council quorum votes to extend Peguis CFS agreement for one year, CFS director and Board chair fail to show at key meeting
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By James Wastasecoot
At a duly convened meeting March 12, Peguis council members voted to sign a one year extension to the Peguis CFS Coodination Agreement which expires March 31, 2025. But Chief Stan Bird, Councillors Deno Cameron and Kelvin Wilson refused to sign saying the community has questions of the Director of CFS, or the board chair - neither of whom were in attendance - which remain outstanding. Until more answers are forthcoming, they are not signing, they said at the council meeting where 18 band members were in attendance in council chambers.
Peguis CFS agreement in limbo as deadline for renewal looms and council members at odds
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By James Wastasecoot March 10, 2025
The chief of Peguis First Nation and two councillors told band members at a meeting March 3, 2025 that they are not prepared to sign for the renewal of the Peguis Child and Family Services (CFS) Coordination Agreement, set to expire March 31, 2025. At the meeting, when asked, “Are you prepared to sign for the renewal of the Coordination Agreement?” four other councillors either stated they were in a conflict of interest—citing familial ties with board members—or refused to comment at all, leaving band members confused and uncertain about the status of Peguis CFS funding.
Chief Bird explained the item was on the agenda at the insistence of band members who met with the council last Nov. 5, 2024 where spokesperson Susan Thomas spoke about a host of concerns including a conflict of interest by the Executive Director, Clemene Hornbrook who, she alleged, hired her common law husband to be the agency lawyer. The group demanded the immediate removal of the executive director and the Board of directors. At the time, council told the group they would consider the matter and report back to the group. Thomas said she has not had any further communication from the council on the matter.
When Thomas reintroduced the topic at the March 3 band meeting, confusion reigned when several council members said they were in conflict but without explaining how they were conflicted. The portfolio holder, Councillor Linda Sinclair and Councillor Terrence Sinclair both could not clearly state their conflicts. The Human Resources manager said that she would look up the policy and sort the issue out later.
Critics say the situation reflects a broader pattern of governance failures. “It’s alarming that our leadership hasn’t coordinated or briefed the council on the renewal,” said one band member. “When four councillors either cite conflicts or simply won’t comment, it raises serious questions about accountability and transparency.”
The discussion at the band meeting reveals deep-rooted concerns over the governance of Peguis CFS. Community members expressed bewilderment as they learned that not only are key leaders not prepared to sign the renewal, but that the Peguis CFS agency has not yet briefed the council on it. The meeting agenda listed the item as “Peguis Child and Family Services: As per membership,” signalling that it wasn’t the council who put it there. Some wondered, is the council distancing itself from the matter? Yet, at least 3 members of council are concerned enough about developments at the agency that they will not sign for renewal. And so, if that’s the case, why have they waited until last minute to announce their opposition to the agreement renewal? Shouldn’t that have been addressed 5 months ago at the November 5th meeting? Asked why the Executive Director of Peguis CFS was not at the meeting to answer band members’ questions, Chief Stan Bird replied, “The notice of the meeting was posted Friday, and every director is expected to be at these meetings in case questions arise. “
Read more: Peguis CFS agreement in limbo as deadline for renewal looms and council members at odds
Opinion: The Crisis of Integrity at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization
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By Trevor Greyeyes
It pains me to point this out that Jerry Daniels, as the grand chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization, broke the law that should be obvious to anyone in the mainstream media.
I don’t know why but if there was a guess then I would chalk it up to stupidity to admit that Daniels, in effect, accepted a bribe.
Hold on, Greyeyes. It’s not a bribe because, as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada, a bribe is an inducement for a favour with a government official.
When this exchange of favours happens in the private sector in Canada, it’s called a secret commission.
Read more: Opinion: The Crisis of Integrity at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization
Opinion: Press Freedom and Accountability in Peguis
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By James Wastasecoot
Let’s be clear about the path we’re on in terms of an evolving governance model in Peguis. Broadly speaking and upon reference to our policies, specifically the Financial Administration Law, we can say that we’re on the path to democracy. A recent exchange with councillor Sinclair offered a stark reminder of the fragile state of democratic norms in Peguis. Following my editorial on Peguis Child and Family Services in January, she responded:
"Next time you add my name in the paper, ask me first."
At first glance, the request may seem benign, even reasonable. But at its core, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of democracy and the role of a free press. Imagine if such a rule were applied across Peguis. If our newspaper were required to seek permission before reporting critically on councillors or other public figures, we would cease to be a free press.
Read more: Opinion: Press Freedom and Accountability in Peguis
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