UPDATE: Westbank First Nation chief resigns, band responds
The chief of the Westbank First Nation (WFN) has resigned over disagreements with the band’s council.
Christopher Derickson said in a news release, he was forced into the decision due to what he called the unauthorized and undervalued sale of 147 acres of land owned by the First Nation in Peachland in March of 2021.
“In June 2021, at my request, the CAO launched an independent third-party investigation into the transaction. Council shut down this investigation,” said Derickson.
Derickson said “fighting corruption and promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency was the right thing to do,” but added it has taken a toll on his family and his health.
“The lack of competency, integrity, and moral courage within the WFN Council and the departure of our principled CAO, Simon Melanson, leave me with no other choice but to resign. It is not an easy decision but one I have been forced to make,” said Derickson.
WFN issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying with band elections set for this Sept. 15, no by-election for chief is necessary according to their constitution, with just three months left in the term.
“Council thanks Chief Derickson for his service to WFN, and thanks membership and past leadership for the strength of the Constitution, ensuring effective governance in the face of any change,” said WFN councillor Jordan Coble. “We will continue to operate as an elected body making collective decisions in the best interest of membership, today and in the terms ahead.”
The band also commented on Derickson citing the land sale last year by WFN as part of his reason for stepping down.
“WFN’s council unanimously supported an independent review of the transaction, led by the Honourable Marion Buller, and agreed to proceed in full with her recommendations. Over the past several months, council has been overseeing the review to determine what transpired, implement the recommendations, and take the necessary steps to protect WFN’s assets,” the band’s statement read.
“Council remains committed to ensuring good governance, including open and inclusive dialogue with its membership, all members of council, and administration,” said councillor Coble. “We look forward to the upcoming election and to forging ahead with WFN’s government priorities in alignment with the growing needs of our members, residents, and businesses.”
Chief Christopher Derickson’s resignation letter:
way’ Members, Partners, and Friends,
After consultation with my family, elders, advisors, lawyer, and doctor, I have made the decision to resign as Chief of Westbank First Nation (WFN), effective end of day, Friday, June 17, 2022.
I was elected as Chief on a platform of good governance.
The definition of good governance has been hotly debated at Membership meetings, around the Council table, and at dinner tables across our Nation. To me, good governance has three main ingredients: competence, fairness, and equity. It means that when government officials make decisions and apply laws and policies, that they do so appropriately, impartially, and consistently; not influenced by personal interest, relationships, likes and dislikes. Good governance should also empower the people through transparency and participation.
Following the unauthorized and undervalued sale of 147 acres of land owned by the WFN in Peachland in March 2021, I worked to hold this government to account. In June 2021, at my request, the CAO launched an independent third-party investigation into the transaction. Council shut down this investigation. In the ensuing months, I worked with a principled few within the Government Administration and the Nation to design and establish a review of the purported land sale by The Hon. Marion Buller, former BC Provincial Court Judge and Federal Chief Commissioner and Chancellor of the University of Victoria.
The Buller Report highlighted numerous gaps in the Nation’s governance and made sixteen recommendations for positive change. Beginning to implement these recommendations has brought further evidence of corruption to light. Independent appraisals obtained by WFN estimate that the unauthorized sale ($1.5M) undervalued the land by at least $2M. The report raises issues of honesty and integrity of certain former senior employees and of deception of the WFN Council and lack of Council fulfilling its duties of oversight and continuing accountability to members.
Fighting corruption and promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency was the right thing to do. But, it has taken a toll on my family and my mental and physical health.
The lack of competency, integrity, and moral courage within the WFN Council and the departure of our principled CAO, Simon Melanson, leave me with no other choice but to resign. It is not an easy decision but one I have been forced to make.
I want to thank all those who have supported, advised, and encouraged me during my terms in office.
A special thanks to the Okanagan Nation Alliance Chiefs, our regional, municipal, provincial and federal government partners, and our many other partner organizations in academia, the private sector, and beyond for their support during my tenure in office. It was a pleasure and honour to work with each of you to better the lives of our people.
I request that my privacy be respected as I take steps to recover.
Limlemt,
Chief Christopher Derickson