Poundmaker Chief admits to stealing band funds

Poundmaker First Nation Chief Duane Antoine pleaded guilty to one count of theft under $5,000 in a North Battleford courtroom on April 16. Antoine was among nine band members facing a total of 47 charges of theft, fraud and breach of trust relating to the misspending of Treaty Land Entitlement funds back in 2004. Three people also pleaded guilty to one count of theft over $5,000. All are due back in court for sentencing in September. Another of the accused, Victoria McMillan, pleaded not guilty to several charges including theft, fraud and criminal breach of trust. Three additional charges were laid against her on April 15.