By Shaneen Robinson
APTN National News
WINNIPEG–The grand chief of an embattled Manitoba chiefs organization and his chief of staff were suspended with pay until an investigation concludes into allegations of financial irregularities and a sexual harassment complaint.
The chiefs executive of the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) met until early Tuesday morning deciding the fate of Grand Chief Murray Clearsky and his chief of staff Mike Bear. The emergency meeting, held in Winnipeg, was called to discuss the allegations that have thrown the SCO into chaos.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt has waded into the controversy Monday, calling on the chiefs on the executive to act quickly and clear the air.
The meeting began Monday at about 7 p.m. local time ran until about 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Clearsky is facing allegations he withdrew about $10,000 in Shakopee, Minn., and Prior Lake Minn., from the organization’s bank account on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. It’s alleged some of the money was used in a casino there.
APTN National News has also obtained a copy of the sexual harassment complaint naming Bear, the chief of staff.
@shaneenonthescene
Ask those 98% of members how accountable their chiefs are? If you speak against Council your are ostracized from everything and marked as a trouble maker and a liar.
But where is the 3 Billion? The ones deciding to uncover facts about our chiefs have totally forgotten the 3 Billion!!! Our chief didnt lose THAT!!