Protesters Allow Some Access to Band Office

Protesters Allow Some Access to Band Office

Monday, June 16, 2003 at 13:34

For the first time in 12 days, the Pelican Lake First Nation band office is open to office staff and band citizens.

Protesters have been occupying the band office in a dispute related to the band election held 2 years ago.

Spokesman Jones Thomas says the move to open the band office today was prompted by the community’s elders, who were worried about the lack of essential services.

Thomas says the chief and council members are allowed to enter the building as band members, but if they try to conduct business as chief and council, the office will be closed down again.

Jones says the protesters will continue to occupy the band office until the matter is resolved.

A Queen’s Bench justice has yet to rule on an injunction application from the chief and council to force the protesters out.