Poundmaker Band Custom Proponents Stage Protest

Poundmaker Band Custom Proponents Stage Protest

Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 14:56

 

 

A dissident group that says it’s the rightful government of the Poundmaker First Nation held a demonstration yesterday.

 

They made speeches and picketed in front of the band office — but decided against trying to take over control of the building.

 

Milton Tootoosis speaks for the group.

 

They elected him chief during a band custom meeting June 8th.

 

But Duane Antoine, who was elected chief during a previous election, says he and his council aren’t going anywhere.

 

They’ve locked the band office doors.

 

Indian Affairs and the FSIN won’t interfere — they say it’s an internal matter that must be settled by band members themselves.

 

Tootoosis says that’s why his group held the demonstration — to protest the lack of action on the matter, and to show they’re not giving up.

 

He also says legal action is likely his group’s next step.

 

People drove from as far away as Edmonton to attend the demonstration.