Four names have been put forward as candidates for the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Athabasca Vice Chief position.
Louie Mercredi, former chief of Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation, Joan Strong of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation who works as a training and employment coordinator at PAGC, Freda (Colleen) Whitedeer who is a Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation councilor, and current Vice Chief, Joseph (Smy) Tsannie are all in the running for the position.
PAGC is one of the largest Tribal Councils in Canada and represents twelve First Nations and a population of roughly 44,000. Tsannie began his career with PAGC in 2004 and has been the Athabasca Vice Chief since 2012.
A PAGC annual assembly is taking place today in Prince Albert where leaders from across the province will hear from each candidate as they prepare to vote tomorrow.
A pipe ceremony and opening prayer will be held tomorrow morning to kick off the day. Polls will open at 10 a.m. and close at 12p.m. Results will come in shortly after polls close.