Four years ago, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation released documents showing 222 aboriginal chiefs across Canada earned more than their provincial premiers and 82 more than the Prime Minister.

 

One of those bands with high priced band politicians was the Glooscap reserve near Windsor, Nova Scotia. One councillor on the reserve earned $978,000 tax free two others received $200,000 and $250,000.

 

Thanks to increased scrutiny on native politicians salaries, there has been some dramatic changes.

 

Glooscap now pays its chief $115,500 down from $250,000.

 

Another band the Acadia First Nation Chief Deborah Robinson earned $400,000 in 2010, now makes about $130,000.

 

While there has been progress, there is still much work to do.  Band politicians remain highly paid. The average salary of the 6 Chiefs that has disclosed their salaries in Nova Scotia is $115,998.83 worth about $185,000 in taxable salary.

 

Chief Deborah Robinson, Acadia First Nation $130,000 (worth approx. $217,000 off reserve)

8 other councillors earned between $92,000 & $80,000

 

http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FederalFundingMain.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=18&lang=eng

 

Chief Bob Gload, Millbrook First Nation $144,000 (worth approx. 225,000 off reserve)

Councillors between $194,000 and $46,000

 

http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/DisplayBinaryData.aspx?BAND_NUMBER_FF=27&FY=2013-2014&DOC=Schedule%20of%20Remuneration%20and%20Expenses&lang=eng

 

Chief Terry Paul, Membertou Band $180,000 (worth approx. $275,000 off reserve)

Council members earn between $200,000 to $64,000

 

http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/DisplayBinaryData.aspx?BAND_NUMBER_FF=26&FY=2013-2014&DOC=Schedule%20of%20Remuneration%20and%20Expenses&lang=eng

 

Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap First Nation $119,000 (worth approx. $187,000 off reserve)

Councillors made about each $88,400

 

http://www.glooscapfirstnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Schedule-of-Remuneration-Expenses-for-the-Year-Ending-March-31-2014.pdf

 

Chief Wilbert Marshall, Chapel Island First Nation $61,200 (worth approx. $86,000 off reserve)

Councillors made around $45,000

 

http://potlotek.ca/band-council/governance

 

Chief Rufus Copage, Shubenacadie First Nation $61,793 (worth approx. $86,000 off reserve)

Councillors made $38,500

 

http://shubenacadieband.ca/category/financial-statements/

 

In the interest of full disclosure here is a letter from John Paul of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs in response to the high salaries. http://thechronicleherald.ca/opinion/1228206-chiefs-pay-mainly-from-band-revenue