Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation Chief and Council meeting spot. Photo courtesy Facebook, Chief & Council – Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation.
It’s election day on Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, and people are voting for more than just chief and council.
A referendum is coinciding with the election.
There are five names on the ballot for chief, 27 for council, and there are also three referendum questions on the ballots.
The band is asking all voters if they approve of the proposed Beardy’s Constitution, Executive Act, and Financial Management Act.
There have been a number of information sessions on the proposals over the past few months. The previous council has stated, regardless of who gets voted in, the acts promote transparency and autonomy for the Duck Lake Area First Nation.
Also this month, all candidates went through a drug test to be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer.
All chief candidates paid a $400 fee and council candidates paid $200 to run.
In the past week, the five chief candidates- Candace Scott, Brian Seeseequasis, Roy Petit, Brian Littlepine, and Remonda Gardipy- have all taken the mic at all-candidate forums on reserve and in Saskatoon.
Previous chief Rick Gamble is not running.
Friday morning started off with a pipe ceremony, and polls opened at 9 a.m. People can vote until 6 p.m. at the Beardy’s and Okemasis Recreation Centre.
It’s expected the election results will be revealed this weekend.