Financial Irregularities From the Nekaneet Band

Chief Alice Pahtayken says she’s uncovered several financial irregularities.

The Chief of the Nekaneet wants a forensic audit of the past leadership.

Chief Alice Pahtayken says she’s struggling to pay down the debt of former Chief Larry Oakes. According to Pahtayken, when she first came into the band office as Chief in 2005, there was insufficient documentation, no cancelled cheques, budgets or cash flow analysis.

She hired a lawyer and now an auditor’s report reveals several financial irregularities.

To make matter worse, she says, two council members are challenging her leadership.

Chief Pahtayken says former Chief Oakes used money intended for education to buy the land of the future Swift Current Casino.

Former Chief Oakes was unavailable for comment.

Council is holding a band general meeting on Friday.