Westbank First Nation Chief Christopher Derickson.

Chief of the Westbank First Nation Christopher Derickson has resigned, citing corruption as the reason after a band staffer sold land for far under its assessed value.

Derickson will resign at the end of the day today, June 17, as chief, according to a press release issued by the chief's office.

“Following the unauthorized and undervalued sale of 147 acres of land owned by the WFN in Peachland in March 2021, I worked to hold this government to account,” he said in the press release.

WFN council said the property was sold by a staff member without the proper authorization from council for significantly less than it was worth.

“In June 2021, at my request, the CAO launched an independent third-party investigation into the transaction. Council shut down this investigation,” Derickson said in the release.

A report created by First Nations Justice Marion Buller reviewing the sale said because the lands are considered “fee simple lands,” no current WFN policies are applicable to it and there are no clear rules when a council resolution is required. The staffer signed documents on behalf of the WFN without a council resolution or discussion.

“The Buller report highlighted numerous gaps in the nation’s governance and made 16 recommendations for positive change.  Beginning to implement these recommendations has brought further evidence of corruption to light,” Derickson said.

“Independent appraisals obtained by WFN estimate that the unauthorized sale ($1.5 million) undervalued the land by at least $2 million. The report raises issues of honesty and integrity of certain former senior employees and of deception of the WFN Council and lack of Council fulfilling its duties of oversight and continuing accountability to members.”

READ MORE: WFN staffer sold band land for significantly less than assessed value

Derickson said the issue has taken a toll on his family as well as his mental and physical health.

“The lack of competency, integrity, and moral courage within the WFN Council and the departure of our principled CAO, Simon Melanson, leave me with no other choice but to resign. It is not an easy decision but one I have been forced to make,” he said.

As the general election is only three months away, no byelection is necessary according to First Nation’s constitution as there are only three months remaining in the term, according to a WFN press release.

WFN council supported the independent review of the transaction with the Peachland land sale and agreed to proceed with her recommendations, the band said.

“Council remains committed to ensuring good governance, including open and inclusive dialogue with its membership, all members of council, and administration,” WFN councillor Jordan Coble said in the release. 

— This story was updated at 3:34 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 with information from a WFN press release.

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