A former vice-president of the First Nations University of Canada has confirmed he's been charged with defrauding the Regina-based institution.

Wes Stevenson says he is innocent and will fight the charge.

On Monday, Saskatchewan RCMP said a 57-year-old former Reginan had been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000, but it didn't name him.

The charge stems from an investigation that began more than three years ago.

Stevenson, a former FNUC vice-president of administration who now lives in B.C., said his lawyer will appear on his behalf when the case first gets to court on July 21.

Stevenson and FNUC were regularly in the news three years ago, during a period of turmoil at the university.

Allegations of wrongdoing and financial problems created upheaval at the institution. Several senior people were fired or left their positions.

The turmoil was followed by a decline in student enrolment and a review by the Association of Colleges and Universities of Canada.

The vice-chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Morley Watson, first brought the allegations of financial irregularities to light. At the time, he was chair of the university's board.

However, on Tuesday, Watson said the university is no longer in his portfolio and he wouldn't comment on the charge.