Brocket RCMP launch investigation into alleged money mismanagement

Brocket RCMP say it received a package Wednesday from a member of the Piikani reserve. RCMP say the documents pertain to missing funds. “It’s in regards to missing appropriate monies,but I’m not sure whats it’s all about,” says Cpl. Marty Blackbird with the Brocket RCMP. The documents allegedly claim there is 14 million dollars missing from the 2002 Piikani settlement and trust agreement worth more 64.3 million dollars. “We have concerns from the Piikani nation. All I can say is we will look into the matter. From what I know I believe it’s against chief and council, but i’m not sure exactly what it’s all about,”adds Blackbird.

Dominic Crow Shoe is the person who dropped off the documents to RCMP. He is demanding a formal investigation into where the alleged 14 million dollars disappeared.”This is big. Councillors, former chiefs, lawyers and maybe even a judge could be involved in this matter,” says Crow Shoe.

Some of the Piikani members are blaming Chief and Council for allegedly using the money to pay off debt and lawyer fees. Pam Wolf Tail says the 64.3 million dollar trust agreement was supposed to be used for community development, housing and to benefit future generations.”There is 14 million not accounted for. Past and present council are responsible for this. They are using it on honorariums and lawyer fees. If it was spent accordingly we would have basketball courts, a multiplex we would have wind farms and businesses,”adds Pam Wolf Tail.

Band members say there are terms and conditions set out in the trust agreement and the members believe there trust has been breached. RCMP say the documents will be forwarded to it’s commercial fraud investigation team in Calgary, but right now the investigation is in it’s preliminary stages.