Band money fuelling addictions: sources

Money from the band council in Natuashish pays for shipments of illicit drugs and alcohol, according to sources in the community.

As well, documents obtained through a CBC investigation show the Natuashish leadership is contributing to social chaos.

From Feb. 8: Natuashish children still in neglect: report

One Natuashish man, who spoke to the CBC on condition of anonymity, says drug smugglers finance shipments of pot and cocaine with band funds, even though Natuashish was founded so that residents could overcome well-publicized addictions problems.

A shipping bill obtained by CBC shows one band councillor recently took delivery of a large shipment of beer. The beer, sources say, was distributed to supporters leading up to recent Innu Nation elections.

As well, copies of affidavits recently collected in the community allege marijuana was traded for votes in the last band council election campaign.

A written complaint went to the federal government, but the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs responded that the allegations were not its jurisdiction.

A source told CBC News that band purchase order numbers have been used to smuggle prescription drugs, cocaine and alcohol from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Band chief Simon Pokue denies the allegations of wrongdoing.

"My council is not selling any illegal substances, but other people in the community are selling drugs, selling alcohol," Pokue says.

There is no alcohol store in Natuashish, and a contraband bottle of alcohol can cost as much as $300.

Meanwhile, community residents say the band council is misspending millions of dollars it has been collecting from Voisey's Bay Nickel Co., which is close to finishing construction on its nickel and copper mine nearby.

The agreement with Inco, Voisey's Bay Nickel's parent company, stipulates that the money is to be protected in a trust fund, with the interest to be used for projects that promote Innu culture and health.

CBC News Indepth: Natuashish

Pokue says the trust has not yet been established.

Instead the money goes into band council coffers, to be handed out as the council sees fit.

"That's our money we can do what we want," says Pokue, who says money has been put in an emergency fund for the needy.

The band's spending decisions are secret, but Pokue says a public meeting will be held.

Proter Poker, a former drinker and a former chief, says the band council's handouts are fuelling the liquor trade.

"Drugs, alcohol, bootlegging it's overwhelming," Poker says.

Innu Nation president Ben Michel says Natuashish is trying, but he has a message for its leaders.

"People will have to work with each other, or we're doomed to fail as a community," Michel says.