The First Nations Financial Transparency Act was enacted earlier this year, and requires the submission of basic financial information over the 2013-2014 fiscal year from all First Nations across Canada.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada began publishing the numbers in July, but as of press deadline on Monday, August 3rd, the content only included documentation from less than half of the more than 600 First Nation bands in Canada.

Trapped in administrative limbo are both the Akisqnuk and Shuswap bands, said representatives from both offices.

The Akisqnuk have submitted their documents and are awaiting the bureaucratic process before the numbers are published.

Since beginning the process, the Shuswap band has had to change auditors two times, and is currently waiting on the auditor before submitting their documents.

“They have to check every detail, it’s a very slow process,” said Gordon [Gomez] Martin, public relations for Shuswap.

Included within the audits are consolidated financial statements, schedules of remuneration and expenses, and the auditor’s report.

The website can be found at http://tinyurl.com/nrd2yhn.