Kwikwetlem First Nation demanding Chief Ron Giesbrecht resign over $914,000 salary

VANCOUVER – Members of a small Lower Mainland First Nation are demanding the resignation of their chief and a forensic audit of the band’s books.

Outrage is mounting over nearly $950,000 paid out to Kwikwetlem First Nation Chief Ron Giesbrecht last year – a combination of salary, expenses, and what he calls a bonus. It was tied to an economic development deal based on land sales.

Giesbrecht says he won’t make a public statement until Thursday.

A notice posted online on Friday reads in part:

Chief Ron has made it clear that he is accountable to members and that you are the priority. He has been spending all if his time with members to make sure he can answer questions and address any concerns you have.

He has already spoken to many of you, and has committed to speaking to everyone possible in person or by phone before he leaves for medical treatment early next week.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: Chief Ron has made it clear that he is accountable to members and that you are the priority. He has been spending all if his time with members to make sure he can answer questions and address any concerns you have.</p><p>He has already spoken to many of you, and has committed to speaking to everyone possible in person or by phone before he leaves for medical treatment early next week.

Band members say the money involved should have been used for far more important things.

“I will stand in front of all my people and say that we are not a part of this,” said member Kathleen Joe. “We did not know anything about this and we will not stand for it. And something needs to be done about Ron and we’re asking for his resignation immediately.”

WATCH: Report from Catherine Urquhart: