A member of the Idle No More movement says she thinks a report of financial irregularities on the Attiwapiskat First Nation is an attempt by the government to divide and conquer First Nations people.
According to the auditor’s report, found on the website of the Aboriginal Affairs department, there is little documentation to support where millions of dollars meant for the band actually went.
Colleen Whitedeer has been helping organize rallies in Prince Albert.
She believes the Harper government is trying to discredit Chief Theresa Spence with this information.
Whitedeer is calling on everyone to stick together.
“I think one of the reasons (things) we need to really focus on – is finding a momentum between the chiefs and the grassroots because it’s all about conquering and dividing and we don’t need that as aboriginal people because we really need to come together,” she says.
In a released statement yesterday afternoon, Chief Spence said the audit is an attempt by the federal government to smear her name and distract people from the real issues facing First Nations people at the same time.
“I remain steadfast in my journey and will not allow any distractions at this time to waiver the goal set forth,” Chief Spence said.
Whitedeer is planning to hold another rally in Prince Albert on Thursday afternoon.
She and other demonstrators say they will slow down traffic on the south edge of town in a continuation of the Idle No More movement.