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OTTAWA — Indigenous Services Canada says it plans to launch a forensic audit of an organization representing 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
The department said in a statement Tuesday it is aware of allegations against the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and is reviewing them.
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“The department takes allegations and complaints regarding the misuse of public funds very seriously,” the statement read.
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“To that end, the department has put a process in place to ensure these allegations and complaints are examined properly and that appropriate action is taken.”
The department says that due to privacy concerns, it is not confirming any details about the audit.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu would not say whether she has seen evidence of wrongdoing, adding the department recently informed her of its plan.
“I think we have to let that unfold,” she said of the prospective audit.
Led by Chief Bobby Cameron, who is also a regional chief with the Assembly of First Nations, the FSIN advocates on behalf of member First Nations on issues such as education and child welfare, both provincially and federally.
The group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It was not clear what prompted plans for the forensic audit.
According to multiple reports, a letter dated March 15 was sent by Indigenous Services Canada to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, saying ISC would be reviewing spending dating back to April 1, 2019 until present day.
The dates covered by the audit could expand, however, based on the auditor’s findings. There was no indication how long it would take for the audit to be completed.
The letter, according to APTN, said that ISC will “be conducting a forensic audit of funding provided to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations through the funding agreements in place between your organization and ISC” and that the audit was being conducted “in accordance with the funding agreements.”
A forensic audit helps identify and gather evidence or assess possible financials irregularities, possible misappropriation of funds or assets, or potential fraud.
— With Saskatoon StarPhoenix files
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