Band Government financials are in

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Band Government financials are in



Despite budgeting just under $3 million for “Band Government – salaries, wages and benefits,” the 2015 Stoney First Nation financial records show more than $6 million was spent.

The Stoney First Nation Band Government received a combined total of $3,252,887 for a nation of approximately 5,200 people.

“I think it is fair compensation – the chiefs are responsible for everything,” said Ken Christensen, Stoney Tribal Administrator.

Stoney First Nation had a proposed budget with the expectation of $98 million revenue for the 2015 financial year – yet actually received more than $107 million in revenue.

The proposed expenses for 2015 were over $109 million for Stoney First Nation, but instead spent $15 million over budget at $124 million in expenditures for the 2015 year – with more than $3.5 million over-budget expenses going towards “Band Government.”

“We budgeted conservatively [this year],” Christensen said.

The one chief with more noticeable financials was Ernest Welsey, Chief of Welsey, making $241,4933 in wages over a 12-month period and $97,171 in expenses.

The comparison has been made of Chief Welsey’s salary of $338,664 to that of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s salary of $327,400 last year.

Christensen insists that is not a fair comparison.

“[Chief] Welsey’s pay included severance, retirement allowance and included everything – Harper’s pay does not include retirement or pension,” Christensen stated.

And despite previous reports, Band members including government officials, are eligible for an optional employment retirement plan, where it states under note 13 in the Stoney First Nation financial statement that employees have the option of contributing between 3.5 and 7.5 per cent of their gross pay with the organization making a matching contribution to the plan.

It should also be noted that all salaries earned by First Nations leaders are tax-exempt.

The budget stayed close in numbers for education, health, economic development and housing; yet spent $4 million under budget for public works.

When questioned about the current drinkable water situation on the reserve, Christensen insisted there are numerous sources of water.

“The main water system is not on boil advisory – there are three water lines on boil advisory,” Christensen said, commenting that he did not know the specific date of when those lines would be fixed.

The 2015 financial year also came over $16.5 million deficient – over $11 million of that matching the proposed budget for “amortization” costs.

Some of where the other $5.7 million of 2015 deficiencies went is possibly in “other expenses,” where the budget showed close to $23 million for other expenses, while more than $43 million was actually spent.

A break-down of those expenses was listed in note 15 on the Stoney Financial Report where it showed more than half of over-spending in “other expenses” was attributed to Program Costs. The budget for ‘Program Costs’ was over $40 million, with more than $51 million actually being spent.

Christensen explained that the money does not just go to salaries. There are also monies that fund band assistance and pay funeral expenses.

“This year we had lower royalties and trust funds – it equals less money,” Christensen said.

Christensen said Band officials are responsible for everything, citing education, child and family services, and public works. He also mentioned they run several businesses including Nakoda Oil and Gas, and the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.

“Quite frankly if they were in the private sector they would be making a lot more (money) – they are pretty dedicated. These guys are on call 24 hours a day,” Christensen said.

The Stoney First Nation 2015 financial statements, salaries and expenses posted by the Band Government can be found on the Stoney Nation website at stoney-nation.com

Stoney First Nation salaries (expenses) – time in office


  • Darcy Dixon, Chief – Bearspaw $125,217 ($108,976) – 12 months
  • Rod Hunter, Coun. – Bearspaw Morley $89,441 ($64,045) – 12 months
  • Narvil Kootenay, Coun. – Bearspaw Morley $89,441 ($57,799) – 12 months
  • Larry Daniels Sr., Coun. – Bearspaw Eden Valley $89,441 ($52,728 ) – 12 months
  • Rex Daniels, Coun. – Bearspaw Eden Valley $89,441 ($51,914) – 12 months
  • Bruce Labelle, Chief – Chiniki $174,857 ($71,003) – 8.5 months
  • Aaron Young, Chief – Chiniki $37,565 ($43,300 ) – 3.5 months
  • Lional Wildman, Coun. – Chiniki $151,730 ($85,935) – 12 months
  • Terrance Rider, Coun. – Chiniki $124,897 ($46,233) – 8.5 months
  • Frank Chiniquay, Coun. – Chiniki $124, 897 ($45,430 ) – 8.5 months
  • Jeremy Kaquitts, Coun. – Chiniki $26,832 ($27,165) – 3.5 months
  • Jordie Mark, Coun. – Chiniki $26,832 ($24,801) – 3.5 months
  • Clifford Powderface, Coun. – Chiniki $151,730 ($73,114) – 12 months
  • Ernest Wesley, Chief – Wesley $241,493 ($97,171) – 12 months
  • Shane Crawler, Coun. – Wesley Big Horn $172,493 ($19,337) – 12 months
  • Hank Snow, Coun. –Wesley $172,493 ($47,292) – 12 months
  • Homer Twoyoungmen, Coun. – Wesley $145,660 ($41,557) – 8.5 months
  • Tater Van House, Coun. – Wesley $145,660 ($38,745) – 8.5 months
  • Marlin Poucette, Coun. – Wesley $26,832 ($11,948 ) – 3.5 months
  • Watson Kaquitts, Coun. – Wesley $26,832 ($10,610) – 3.5 months


source: Band Government financials are in | Local News | Cochrane Eagle