Busy Week For Band Elections In Saskatchewan

Busy Week For Band Elections In Saskatchewan

Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 15:42

 

 

There is a new chief at the Peepeekisis First Nation following a close vote in yesterday’s election.

 

Michael Koochicum narrowly defeated Dillan Stonechild by a vote count of 120 to 118.

 

Three other candidates were in the running — including former headperson Evelyn Poitras, who was just nine votes back of Koochicum.

 

Former chief Beverley Bellegarde chose not to seek re-election.

 

Meanwhile, nine people ran for the two headperson positions. Francis Deiter was re-elected, while Richard Ironquill is a newcomer.

 

The Waterhen Lake First Nation is holding its election today.

 

There are seven candidates looking to take over from current chief Richard Fiddler, who has decided not to run.

 

Robert Fiddler, Glenn Ernest, Melissa Lynn Fiddler, Carol Bernard, Michael Ernest, Dean Christopher Martell and Dwayne R. Lasas are all hoping to be Fiddler’s successor.

 

A total of 43 people are running for six positions on council.

 

Elections for chief and council are also taking place today at the Witchekan Lake First Nation.

 

Three people are running for chief, while 17 others are running for four council positions.

 

The candidates for chief include incumbent leader Steven Jim.

 

Jim is being challenged by Brett Fineday and John Thomas.

 

The winners will serve two-year terms.

 

Earlier this week, long-time Canoe Lake chief Guy Lariviere was defeated by Robert Opekokew in a band election.

 

The Key First Nation heads to the polls tomorrow.