Sts'ailes First Nation ousts chief over alleged misconduct

The Sts'ailes First Nation has removed Ralph Leon Jr. as chief due to alleged misconduct, according to a statement from the council of the nation based in southwest British Columbia.

In the statement on Saturday, Sts'ailes council said the allegations against Leon included unauthorized or unverified spending, pay advances, excessive technology purchasing and failure to attend critical meetings.

It says council met with Leon on Aug. 27, when he was given a chance to respond to the allegations raised in early August. After the meeting, according to the statement, council determined that the allegations were substantiated.

"Good governance includes being accountable for our spending and in representing Sts'ailes at federal, provincial, and municipal government meetings," reads the statement.

"Unfortunately, as a result of the chief's misconduct, response to the misconduct, and his breach of the safeguards, the chief broke this commitment, and council believes that he failed to act in accordance with his fiduciary duties to the membership," it adds.

In the statement, councillors said they made the decision unanimously and said Leon's removal was necessary to "preserve the integrity of the Sts'ailes."

A memorandum regarding next steps for its members will be circulated in due course, the statement said.

The Sts'ailes First Nation has around 1,100 registered members and is based in a reserve northwest of Agassiz in the Fraser Valley.

Election results show Leon was acclaimed as chief of the nation in March 2022.

CBC News has contacted the former chief and a council member for comment, but but has yet to hear back.