Health, Education and Social Assistance will continue to be funded in the post-treaty environment. These are universal social programs that we have a right to have. They will apply in the post-treaty environment. Other programs, those that are strictly under Indian Affairs, will be applicable as long as they continue to exist. If Indian Affairs begins to cut back on these programs, all First Nations will be affected.
We do and will continue to manage our finances in a manner that conforms to financial management standards applicable to public governments. This has been explained at the annual band meeting. Individual members are provided with opportunities for education and training, but the ultimate responsibility is with the members themselves. The K’ómoks government can provide opportunities but it is up to each individual member to take advantage of the opportunities and use their own initiative.
Currently, our KFN Administration is accountable for our money and receives and accounts for the funding from Indian Affairs. You will know this if you have attended the annual band meetings. This will not change. But post-treaty our KFN Government will be made more accountable under our Constitution. We are putting laws and policies in place to ensure accountability and transparent financial management of all KFN money and funding. Some of the accountability mechanisms will be built into a Financial Management Act. In preparation for this, the K’ómoks First Nation has enacted a Financial Management Law which puts in place mechanisms for greater accountability.
