The RCMP is now handling the investigation into the actions of two elected representatives of the Squamish Nation.
According to a Nov. 24 Squamish Nation news release, Krisandra Jacobs and Glen Newman have been suspended from their positions for the period of the deliberations.
An independent investigation completed earlier this year for band council by lawyer Nazeer Mitha revealed that $1.5 million managed by Jacobs and Newman from the band’s emergency fund was not properly accounted for over the past two years.
At a Squamish Nation meeting at Totem Hall on Nov. 16, a motion passed that the duo must step down but after refusing to do so, the meeting became heated and their status remained unclear.
At a meeting on Nov. 19 at the band office in North Vancouver, Nation members refused to leave until a decision was made, according to Nation member Beverly Brown. Council had an in-camera meeting with lawyers from Ratcliff and Company.
Following the meeting, waiting Nation members were informed that a “non-decision” was made and more details would be released in the weekly newsletter.
Brown said members were not happy after the meeting on Nov. 19.
“I need to say that membership is quite disappointed they won’t do the right thing on their own,” she told The Squamish Chief in an email. “It’s insulting to the community…. They will not acknowledge our custom or implement at this time. The council is not doing what the people want, they were elected to represent the community and their best interests. They are not making these decisions on their own.
“Ratcliff and Company are making decisions for the community and this is unacceptable to the community,” she said.
The band’s news release states that the RCMP has begun a preliminary review of the matter, and it’s anticipated that the police force will conduct a full investigation.
“Membership has elected council to follow proper governance and to manage the affairs of Squamish Nation in the best interests of our community,” the release stated. “All steps taken to this point have been done with that in mind. We must continue to follow due process as we take additional administrative, legal, political and financial steps.”
Squamish Nation officials were set to meet with RCMP, the release noted.
“The RCMP have already cautioned us that this will not be a speedy process,” it stated.
Brown said this could be a slow process and cited a similar case with the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario, where it took more than two years for charges to be laid.
“Suspension is insufficient for membership,” she said. “We were informed on Wednesday’s meeting that they heard membership loud and clear, however, they are not proceeding forward with memberships motions. It’s a mockery of democracy. We have less than human rights on the reserve.
“It is very much a dictatorship on the reserve and our votes mean nothing except for when they are voted in. It is a sad day today.”
Brown reiterated that the motions passed twice.
Representatives of Squamish Nation Council did not return requests for comment before press time.
