A welcome sign on the Kwikwetlem First Nation in British Columbia. Photo from KFN

Chief Ron Giesbrecht of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in British Columbia won't be resigning in response to complaints about his high salary.

Giesbrecht earned nearly $1 million last year, according to reports submitted under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. He said band members don't want him to quit.

"I’ve been on the phone since last week talking to all band members and I have their support that they support me not to resign," Giesbrecht told CBC News.

According to the band, the chief's salary is $4,800 a year. Giesbrecht earned anoither $80,000 from his position as economic development officer and another $800,000 from a bonus.

The bonus provision of his employment contract has since been removed, the band said.

First Nations were required to turn in their reports last month. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development has been posting the information at pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/SearchFF.aspx

Not every band has submitted a report, however. The department said bands have until the end of November to comply or face a loss of government funds.

Get the Story:
Chief Ron Giesbrecht won't resign after $1M payday controversy (CBC 8/7)
First Nations Transparency Act holdouts given 120 days to post financial data (CBC 8/6)

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