Michel Wins Marathon PAGC Chief Election
Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 14:36
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation chief Ron Michel has been elected chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council.
Yesterday, Michel defeated Elmer Ballantyne 102-93 on the fourth ballot to lay claim to the title.
Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth finished third in the affair after being dropped after the third round of voting.
Henry McKenzie and Richie Bird both lost out on the second round, while Marcel Head was removed after the first ballot.
Yesterday’s contest was a lengthy affair, lasting 11 hours.
In the end, Michel gave credit to his opponents for a hard-fought battle and thanked his supporters.
Michel says his 20 years of experience in northern politics will help him over the next three years.
He also admits popular, former PAGC chief Gary Merasty will be a tough act to follow.
Michel promises that protection and development of natural resources in northern Saskatchewan will be one of his top priorities, as will re-connecting the PAGC to grassroots citizens.
Michel says he will now have to schedule a meeting with his band councillor so he can remove himself as chief of the PBCN.
Meanwhile, the man who finished second to Michel says a lot of work must happen to heal rifts within the organization.
Ballantyne points out yesterday’s election was very close, and Michel must remember that nearly half of the delegates did not back him.
In fact, Ballantyne was leading after the first two ballots before most of McKenzie’s and Bird’s supporters joined the Michel camp.
Ballantyne also feels Michel and the PAGC vice chiefs must make an effort to travel more and bring the grand council back to the community.
As for the woman who finished third in last night’s vote, she hopes Michel listens to residents of the Far North.
Tsannie-Burseth, a member of the Hatchet Lake First Nation, says Athabasca band members need to be on the PAGC’s radar.
She says Dene people aren’t satisfied with being on the fringe when decisions are being made.
Tsannie-Burseth adds she’s proud to have finished third in yesterday¹s race, and hopes her showing inspires other women to pick up the political torch.