Squamish Nation officials lose authority over finances after investigation

Two officials with the Squamish Nation have kept elected official statusbut have been relieved of other duties after an investigation found problems with how nearly $1.5 million was spent from an emergency fund.

The investigation looked into a series of cheques issued over the past six years from funds set up to help the First Nation's members with emergencies such as rent, travel to funerals, or clothing.

But a third-party investigation concluded that almost $1.5 million was distributed with few records of how it was spent or why. The investigation did find that someof the fundswent towardentertainment expenses, includingrestaurant bills and Canucks tickets.

Most of the spentemergency fundmoney was handled by Krissy Jacobs, the Squamish Nation's former manager of communications and band services, who was removed from her position in September.

The band says she kept no records at all for how almost $1 million was distributed.

The investigation found the cheques were made out in her name or in the name ofelected band manager Glen Newman.

The investigation says there's no 'direct evidence' they kept the funds, but concluded it was clear they handed out funds to develop political support from members.

Squamish Chiefs and Council says both have now been relieved of a number ofduties.

Krissy Jacobs is no longer an employee of the band, has been removed as co-chair of the Squamish Nations Chiefs and Counciland has lost all authority over financial matters. She remains in her elected position as a councilloratlarge.

Glen Newman has been removed from his involvement in all financial matters, no longer hasauthority over band emergency staffand has losthis access to Squamish Nation computers. He remains in hiselected position asband manager.

The Squamish Nation saidit discovered the spending irregularities in the spring after it changed the way cheques were approved and issued and new control measures will provide better accountability.

• On mobile? Read the band statement here