Yet another story of alleged band corruption is unfolding on the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation near Janvier, Alberta. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-familiar scenario that has played out across the country.

According to the Fort McMurray Today (Janvier is 75 miles southeast of Fort McMurray), 80 per cent of band members voted to remove Chief Walter Janvier from office.

Band members are telling anyone who will listen that the chief isn't doing his job. Some cite poor housing conditions. For example, one band member has a bathtub and sink sitting on the porch of his house but hasn't installed them because there hasn't been running water since last year. He alleges that "if you support the chief, he will fix your home, no problem."

According to the band's election code, a petition with signatures from 75 per cent of band members is enough to fire the chief. The chief, however, has no intention of going anywhere. Janvier says he doesn't trust that the signatures are all legitimate and alleges the petition drive was initiated by his political opponents.

Despite the fact the Today reporter toured the reserve and saw homes with no running water, Chief Janvier says there is no such problem with the housing. Janvier says people may wait for housing and maintenance because those most "in need," like single moms, are the highest priority. Meanwhile, residents charge Janvier lives in the nicest home on the reserve - which was built just a few years ago.

Supporters of the petition claim they have received threats, harassment and band council cheques without the chiefs required signature. This is banana republic-style dictatorship at work - right here in Canada.

It's happening every where. According to band financial records leaders of the Alexander Native Band of Alberta authorized at least $108,868 in cheques to dozens of voters on the eve of the September 12, 2002 election. Six members of the Alexander Band swore affidavits in Federal Court saying they were paid on the understanding they would vote for incumbent candidates for chief and band council. Three of them received $150 or $200, according to the band administration's general cheque ledger.

In January 2005, it was reported the Labrador Innu Band Council of Natuashish could not account for $3 million in a recent audit. The band later indicated only $300,000 could not be accounted for. Band members allege alcohol was given out during band council elections.

Access to Information documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation show in 2003 the Department of Indian Affairs received 297 allegations of corruption, nepotism or mismanagement by native band councils.

The system itself is the problem. When the band council controls housing, maintenance, and even furniture for band residents, their power is near absolute. This absurd level of community control begs abuse.

In the long run, Canada needs to scrap the archaic reserve system and allow native Canadians to own their own homes on reserves. The Indian Act, with all its disastrous consequences, needs to be abolished. This should be the long term goal.

In the short term, native Canadians need a way to have their concerns addressed without risking their personal comfort and security on reserves. An ombudsman for aboriginal affairs should be created with the power to investigate complaints and seek redress from both band councils and Indian and Northern Affairs.

Interestingly, the governing Conservatives included the creation of an aboriginal affairs ombudsman in their election platform. Time will tell if Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has the courage to challenge the status quo. He need look no further than Janvier, Alberta for inspiration.