Peavine controversy Councillor denied documents

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A member of the Big Prairie Metis Settlement (Peavine) council says he has been denied access to administrative records and financial records of settlement corporations.

Ken Noskey, who was elected to council last year, says he has requested information and documentation on land records and on the three Peavine corporations, Peavine Development, Waskayigun Corp. and the Cattlemen's Association.

"I only found out about the last one two months ago. I don't know who is on the board. They are not telling the people at all," said Noskey

Noskey points out that all members of the settlement are shareholders in the corporations, yet there has never been a shareholders meeting and as far as he knows, no financial statements had been mailed to the membership.

"It's all a secret," said member Hilma Supernault. "We have asked the government to let us look at the records, but they refuse."

High Prairie Metis Settlement Liaison Officer, Andre L'Hirondelle says his branch does not have the financial statements of the corporations.

"We only have the certificates of incorporation, the council has all the documentation," he said.

Noskey stated he has also not been permitted to look at the land record books and has been forced to look at the records held at the High Prairie office.

"We don't know who has what parcel of land. We are told to apply for land and then be told it is already owned by someone. That is ridiculous."

Administrator Dennis Cunningham said his office does not have the records. "We don't have a computer. Our office is quite new," he pointed out.

Noskey explained many members have applied for land, but because it is already owned, have been turned down and run the risk of being denied membership of the colony.

"Many members have been told they have to leave the colony because the Metis Betterment Act says they must apply for land. But because the council won't tell us who has which piece of land, many of the membership are being pushed off by council," he added.

Noskey has also written several letters to the Edmonton Metis Settlements Branch but says he has received no reply.

Chairman and other members of the Peavine council refused to comment to Windspeaker on this and other issues.