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.
Read more: Peguis CFS agreement in limbo as deadline for renewal looms and council members at odds
CORRECTION ALERT! This article contains a correction. Opinion: The Crisis of Integrity at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization
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While the allegations - that SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels broke the law and committed a crime - made in this article are serious, they remain to be proven in court. Editor and publisher, James Wastasecoot
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.
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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