Fond du Lac Residents Vote In Favour Of Projects

Fond du Lac Residents Vote In Favour Of Projects

Friday, January 11, 2008 at 13:24

Members of the Fond du Lac First Nation have overwhelming approved two on-reserve initiatives put to them in a vote.

In a referendum held yesterday, roughly 95% of voters approved the band’s plans to allow exploration for surface and sub-surface minerals on reserve lands — as well as the development of a grocery and retail store in the community.

Band spokesman Napoleon Mercredi says government rules concerning votes like this will prevent the work from starting immediately, but he’s glad the people are behind the projects.

This is the second time band members have voted on these proposals.

Last year’s referendum failed because not enough voters turned out under Indian Affairs guidelines.

There was no such requirement in yesterday’s vote.