Dutch Lerat Among FSIN Chief Candidates

Dutch Lerat Among FSIN Chief Candidates

Friday, September 25, 2009 at 18:50

 

 

The list of candidates running for chiefs’ positions with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has been finalized.

 

Lawrence Joseph has three challengers hoping to take his job away from him in the Oct. 28 vote.

 

They include Muskowekwan Chief Reg Bellerose, Guy Lonechild of the White Bear First Nation and Red Pheasant Chief Sheldon Wuttunee.

 

The race for the first chief’s position involves just two people.

 

Incumbent chief Morley Watson of the Ochapowace First Nation is being challenged by Lac La Ronge Indian Band member Robin McLeod.

 

Meantime, Glen Pratt of the Gordon’s First Nation will try to hang onto his position as third vice-chief.

 

He is being challenged by Dutch Lerat of the Cowessess First Nation.

 

Lerat, a former vice-chief with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, says he knows he may face criticism for the move but he looks forward to the challenge.

 

In 2000, Lerat was fired for misappropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars while employed as the C.E.O. of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

 

According to a statement released by Lerat today, he says he has learned a lot since the event in question, and plans to use his experience in business to move forward in a constructive manner.

 

The federation says all of the candidates have met the eligibility requirements set forth by the election act.