RCMP has charged a former First Nations leader with theft and fraud of more than $1-million.

The charges came on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 after a four-year investigation.

53-year-old Daryl Cote is the former CEO of Anishinaabe Mino-Ayaawin and the former co-manager of the Dauphin River First Nation.

The charges allege Cote stole almost $718,000 from Anishinaabe Mayo-Ayaawin, and $310,000 from the Dauphin River First Nation.

The Mounties say its investigation began after getting a complaint from Health Canada.