Financial statements released by the Metlakatla Band show Chief Harold Leighton received less than $50,000 in remuneration and expenses during the last fiscal year.
A report submitted as per the First Nations Financial Transparency Act show Leighton received $29,500 in remuneration and claimed $14,799 in expenses for a total of $44,299 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
As with other bands, remuneration for councillors in Metlakatla varied. Coun. Alrita Leask and Coun. Cindy Smith received $19,500 over the 12 months; Coun. Alvin Leask received $18,500 over 12 months and Coun. James Nelson received $15,000. Coun. Wayne Haldane served for eight months and received $15,500 in remuneration; Coun. Alvin Bolton Jr. Served five month and received $5,000; Coun. David Leask served two months and received $2,000 and Coun. Robert Nelson received $2,097 for his one month of service.
In terms of expenses for full-year councillors, the amount varied from a high of $21,675 claimed by Alvin Leask to a low of $9,607 for Alrita Leask.
Overall, council remuneration totalled $126,597 while council expenses totalled $107,403 for a total council cost of $234,000.
As of Sept. 29, the Gitxaala are the lone North Coast band to have their financial statements made publicly available under the act.
