Band Hoping Tribunal Will Handle Election Disputes

Band Hoping Tribunal Will Handle Election Disputes

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 14:16

A group from the Peepeekisis First Nation is trying to move band elections under the jurisdiction of Treaty 4 rather than the Indian Act.

Evelyn Poitras is a member of the Peepeekisis Kiskimanacihk Treaty Enforcement group that is developing an Indigenous Election Law for the community.

Poitras says the establishment of such a law would give the community jurisdiction over any band election issue — such as allegations of corruption — enabling the First Nation to deal with it rather than have Indian Affairs intervene.

Poitras says an arms-length group, such as a tribunal made up of non-community members, would be established to ensure impartiality.

Poitras says, so far, there has been no opposition to the idea on the reserve.

The law still has to be ratified, but Poitras says her group is hoping to have something in place for Treaty 4 celebrations in mid-September.