Cheecham Not Prepared To Lead Band Beyond 2009

Cheecham Not Prepared To Lead Band Beyond 2009

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 13:47

The chief of the Clearwater River Dene Nation says he likely won’t run again for office once his current term is up.

Roy Cheecham has been the band’s chief for the past 12 years, and was recently elected to a new four-year term.

However, Cheecham says that election was likely his last.

Cheecham hopes to accomplish several business-related objectives before his tenure expires.

One of those includes seeing his band reap benefits associated with an oil exploration project in his area.

He says few jobs are available through the project right now, but that could change somewhat in the winter.

Cheecham adds another project involves the community of Garson Lake, where local leaders have indicated they may ask the band for help in converting it to a reserve.