Ben Defeats Merasty In MLTC Chief Election

Ben Defeats Merasty In MLTC Chief Election

Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 13:09

Saskatchewan’s first female tribal chief has just won a new, four-year term in office.

Incumbent Meadow Lake Tribal Council Chief Helen Ben defeated challenger Robert “Little Bob” Merasty in an election held earlier today in Meadow Lake.

Ben received 39 votes from delegates, compared to the 5 votes Merasty secured. There was also one spoiled ballot.

The voting was handled by chiefs, band councillors and elders representing all nine MLTC First Nations.

Ben has been the chief of the MLTC since January, when she took over the position in a by-election.

The by-election was needed to replace longtime tribal chief Richard Gladue, who left to take a position with the provincial government.