There is new information surrounding the departure of the Interim Executive Director of the Fort Nelson First Nation.
Leslie Dickie had been on a leave of absence from the first nation. In a letter obtained by CJDC TV News to band members, it has been announced that she will not be returning to her job, while she ‘focuses on various personal matters.’
Documents from BC Supreme Court show that Dickie allegedly owes $322,094 to the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw First Nation, near Port Hardy.
The civil claim alleges after Dickie was hired as the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Band Administrator in 2019, she wracked up personal charges of $328,094.
The Statement of Claim alleges the charges include gambling debts, personal shopping, travel and dining expenses.
When she hired, Dickie was issued a corporate credit card, with a $15,000 spending limit. It is also alleged that she altered a copy of a credit card statement to hide certain charges.
Then in 2020, document show that Dickie asked to use the first nation school’s credit card, because she exceeded the limit of her own card.
Two years later, Dickie admitted wrong-doing and paid the first nation back $6,000.
Court documents show the first nation is accusing Dickie of fraud and is looking to re-coup the $322,094 that she still owes.
Repeated calls to the Fort Nelson First Nations Chief Archie Harrold have not been returned.
However in the letter to band members, Harrold says, “we re-assure our members that we have secure check and balances in our financial systems to ensure the security of FNFN’s resources.”