Sayazie Breaks Silence Over Black Lake Election

Sayazie Breaks Silence Over Black Lake Election

Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 14:38

The chief of the Black Lake First Nation is speaking out about the band’s recent election.

Donald Sayazie says he was told by an electoral officer he was being acclaimed after the lone candidate running against him had been disqualified.

He also says efforts were made to set up an appeals board prior to the vote, but broke down after arguing broke out at a meeting.

He says another meeting was held to address the band’s election act in May, but only six people turned out.

Sayazie says an elders’ council has been set up to oversee the electoral situation.

He also maintains he is the legitimate chief of the reserve.

Sayazie says he has heard the reason why a new council election is needed next week is because the ballots from Friday’s election were destroyed.