Birch Narrows Man New MLTC Tribal Chief

Birch Narrows Man New MLTC Tribal Chief

Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 13:14

 

 

There is a new leader at the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.

 

Eric Sylvestre of the Birch Narrows First Nation defeated incumbent tribal chief Helen Ben in an election yesterday.

 

Ben had been in the position since 2005.

 

The final tally was 28 votes for Sylvestre, while Ben received 20 votes.

 

There was also one spoiled ballot.

 

The new chief says he feels good about the win, and doesn’t believe the close vote will spark any divisions within the tribal council.

 

He also credits Ben for being a quality leader.

 

Sylvestre says resource development is one of the key issues facing the MLTC.

 

He says he is willing to sit down and talk with companies about development opportunities whenever there is an opportunity.

 

The MLTC is comprised of nine First Nations, and has ownership stakes in West Wind Aviation, NorSask Forest Products, Mistik Management and other ventures.