The FSIN said it is confident that ISC “will conclude that all expenditures are eligible with the exception of minor administrative erros that have since been corrected” after it reviews the documentation the FSIN provided in response to a lengthy list of questions and data items. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

By Nigel Maxwell

Financial transparency

FSIN confirms receipt of KPMG audit list, begins comprehensive review

Oct 9, 2025 | 9:30 AM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is confirming receipt of a list of items referenced in the KPMG Forensic Audit Summary Report released by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) that flagged over $30 million dollars in spending.

“FSIN welcomes this development and will undertake a thorough internal review of each line item identified in the audit,” they said in a press release.

In their statement, the FSIN indicated they continue to await the final report. The FSIN also noted they have full confidence that all expenditures were made appropriately, transparently, and in accordance with established financial policies and procedures.

A large portion of the money flagged in the report is in regards to the $30,024,786 the FSIN received in COVID-19 related funding between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2023.

There’s also questions related to $7,925,783 for administration fees and $962,796 for the money paid out for the FSIN’s new office building.

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The FSIN stated each concern outlined in the KPMG document will be individually examined by their financial team, senior management, and its Treasury Board to ensure that every detail is accounted for and that the record reflects the integrity of FSIN’s financial management practices.

“FSIN will provide responses and supporting documentation for each of the items listed. The organization is confident that, upon completion of this detailed review, all issues will be fully resolved and any outstanding concerns will be clarified beyond question.”

“FSIN anticipates that once this process concludes, there will be no remaining items considered ineligible or unsubstantiated and that the facts will address the misinformation being aggressively and publicly promoted.”

The FSIN stated they will share the findings and its official responses with the FSIN Treasury Board, who will provide additional oversight as part of its ongoing commitment to financial accountability and governance excellence.

“The Federation is also thankful for the ongoing support, patience, and respect shown by First Nations leadership and citizens as FSIN has worked through this process.

The confidence and solidarity of our member Nations have strengthened our resolve to uphold the highest standard of accountability and transparency.”

Just one day after the FSIN’s initial response to the report, in which they called for the full report and downplayed the findings, FSIN 4th Vice-Chief Craig McCallum wrote a letter to Saskatchewan’s Chiefs.

In the letter, he stated he cannot, in good conscience, stand behind the statement released by the other executive of the FSIN.

“It is true that I held office for only five months of the five-year review period. I cannot speak to the decisions made before my term, but I can speak to the need for change going forward. Denial and deflection will not restore trust. Only transparency, humility, and the wisdom to listen to our people will heal the wounds caused by secrecy.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell