44charges laid against Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation councilor

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ACCOUNTABILITY . . . 44 fraud-related charges laid against Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation councilor . . .

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy,Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

A 39 year old Band councilor from Nelson House was charged with fraud.

In fact, David Michael Spence, was charged on September 28th, 2004 with 11 counts of Fraud, 11 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, 11 counts of Theft Under $5000.00, and 11 counts of Breach of Trust.

The Mounties said these charges stem from a Police investigation into
" . . . the alleged misuse of a band credit card during the months of May and June 2004".

Spence is a Band councillor with the Nisichawayasihk Cree First Nation (Nelson House), Manitoba. He is to appear in a Thompson Court at the end of November 2004.

[Kakila-Hereditary Chief]

March 09, 2005

It is sad that some of our leaders fall prey to human weakness. The Issue of transparncey and accountability and fiducary responsibility also falls on the shoulders of those elected to represent their people.

In recent court decisions, the process of the Duty to Consult, by governments, also rests on the shoulders of those elected at Band Levels.

Every time, Chiefs and Council members sign financial agreements, they have firstly a duty to consult the membership, especially when agreements include Aboriginal Rights and Title. Fraud in Indian Territory, is getting to high. One fraud act is one too many.

Chief and Council members, are held accountable for all their actions, when dealing with peoples lives, especially, with all the money offers governments make to First Nations, as they try to buy their way out of Infringments to Aboriginal Rights.

To have Aboriginal Rights and Freedoms, is a right that belongs to our children, who we protect it for. as our ancestors protected for us.

Breach fo Trust is a major infraction on our children. Too many First Nations Members do not understand what their rights are, and how to deal with Breach of Trust.

When we deal with Land Issues, we cannot breach our Trust with the animials and forests, who depend on our honesty to protect the truth.

We must at all times "Do No Harm!!"

I believe that we may have this same situation in our area. How do we get the RCMP involved to investigate? What are the process' for holding Elected Leadership accountable? Our Poverty level families know nothing about these issues, never mind being able to aford legal costs.

Let us bow our heads in Prayer, that those that have fallen, shall rise to honor, respect, love and honesty. We have lost the abiltiy to pray for good counsel, for safe and honesty lifes journey.

However, charges can change once in the Court system. Canada Law is built to be interpreted and charges don't always stick, especially on technical findings.

God Speed to all.

Clarke Smith

ACCOUNTABILITY . . . 44 fraud-related charges laid against Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation councilor . . .

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy,Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

A 39 year old Band councilor from Nelson House was charged with fraud.

In fact, David Michael Spence, was charged on September 28th, 2004 with 11 counts of Fraud, 11 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, 11 counts of Theft Under $5000.00, and 11 counts of Breach of Trust.

The Mounties said these charges stem from a Police investigation into
" . . . the alleged misuse of a band credit card during the months of May and June 2004".

Spence is a Band councillor with the Nisichawayasihk Cree First Nation (Nelson House), Manitoba. He is to appear in a Thompson Court at the end of November 2004.