Fort Nelson First Nation Chief denies conflict of interest allegations

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Chief of a northeast B.C. First Nation says the matter of owning local businesses in the area is not only not a conflict of interest, it’s also untrue.

Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) Chief councillor Archie Harrold submitted a written affidavit on the nation’s Facebook page, denying allegations he is in conflict of interest in owning several local establishments.

Harrold was elected to FNFN’s council in August 2024. He was later elected by councillors to the role of Chief councillor, as is the custom of the election code of FNFN.

However, allegations have been levied against Harrold that he is financially benefiting from several companies – including ones involved in logging and energy – committed to projects around FNFN territory, something Harrold took to Facebook to address.

“I am writing to you today in the spirit of full transparency and accountability,” wrote Harrold in a letter dated Friday, November 28th.

“Concerns and accusations have circulated suggesting I am a partner, part-owner or financially connected to several businesses doing work around the community. I want to address these rumours directly and clearly.”

Harrold then denies he is financially connected to Geoterra Integrated Resources  or A1 Resources, saying any “ownership, partnership or financial interest” in the companies is not true.

He also categorically denied any “personal or financial gain” from work completed by any of the companies nor FNFN’s financial arm, Deh Tai.

Harrold however, does confirm he was the part-owner of another company – Archie’s Towing and Auto-Wrecking – but he says in the signed document available online his interest was sold six years ago, in 2019.

“The business name was kept by the new owner,” writes Harrold. “But I have no involvement, no affiliation and no financial connection to the business since the sale.”

He concludes the letter by saying he takes his role as Chief councillor “very seriously” and highlights his community must have “accurate information,” and that finally that FNFN needs to have “confidence in the integrity of this office.”

Energeticcity.ca reached out to Harrold for further comment, but he said he would not comment further without FNFN approval.

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