Citing allegations of serious misconduct and the possibility of the theft of funds, the McLeod Lake Indian Band Council announced to its membership it has elected to no longer engage in meetings with Chief Harley Chingee while the band conducts an investigation.
In a letter dated June 25, the council said it will provide band members updates on the situation as soon as new information becomes available.
“It is imperative to notify you that the council have elected to abstain from participating in meetings with the Chief pending the conclusion of the investigation regarding allegations of serious misconduct and potential misappropriation of funds,” the councillors wrote.
“We understand the gravity of the situation and the importance of transparency and accountability in our organization. Rest assured that we are committed to resolving these issues and a fair and thorough manner to uphold the integrity of our government.
“Your support is greatly appreciated as we work towards a resolution.”
The letter is signed by band councillors Jane Inyalie, Anita Vallee Hugh Tweed, Shelby Mitchell, Sonya Solonas and Jodie Ware.
The Citizen has reached out to Chief Chingee and elder councillor Inyalie for comment and is awaiting a response from both parties.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Chingee was re-elected to a second term as chief for a fourth term on June 7, 2023. Prior to that he served 18 years as the band manager at McLeod Lake.
He is currently pursuing a partnership with Mitsubishi Power to create the Tse’Kene Energy Transition Hub, a $7-billion clean energy hydrogen plant on the Kerry Lake East reserve, about 80 kilometres north of Prince George.
Under Chingee’s leadership, MLIB achieved revenue-sharing and land management deals with the B.C. government.
Chingee has worked for the band in various roles for the past four decades.
In 2018, he oversaw development of Duz Cho Forest Products to become a private for-profit entity.
In February, Chingee signed a historic economic development partnership with Ulkatcho First Nation to work together on resource projects in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
