The Squamish Nation has revealed its manager of communications and band services is no longer under the band’s employment.
The departure of Krisandra Jacobs comes following an independent third-party investigation. In addition to being employed by the Squamish Nation, Jacobs has been an elected member of Chiefs and Council since 1997.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Nation released an update on the internal investigation launched last May. The report delved into money tagged for emergency use being disbursed by the band’s Communications and Band Member Service Department, the release stated. The completed investigation was delivered to the Squamish Nation executive operating officer in charge of service delivery then shared with the Chiefs and Council.
“On the employment side, we can confirm that Krisandra Jacobs is no longer an employee of Squamish Nation,” the release stated.
The detailed report includes a section of legal advice which “must remain confidential in order to preserve solicitor and client privilege,” the release noted. It includes various recommendations regarding the band’s next steps.
On Sept. 12, Chiefs and Council met in a closed meeting to decide on possible outcomes for Jacobs and also Glen Newman, the band manager, based on the findings of the report. The band manager is an elected position.
“Chiefs and Council have sent a letter to each of the elected officials advising them of the possible outcomes that Chiefs and Council are considering respecting their elected positions and are offering to meet with each elected official separately to consider any additional information they may wish to provide,” the release stated.
Chiefs and Council will finalize their decisions on how to proceed with the individuals outlined in the report no later than Oct. 18, 2014. The following day chiefs and council will provide the Nation’s members with a summary of the facts uncovered during the investigation and outline council’s actions, the release noted.
All of the Chiefs and Council members except Jacobs and Chief Richard Williams signed the update release to Squamish Nation members.
The Squamish Chief has requested interviews with a Squamish Nation spokesperson and Jacobs. Messages left have not yet been returned.
