PAGC Delegates Ready To Replace Outgoing Chief

PAGC Delegates Ready To Replace Outgoing Chief

Monday, October 17, 2005 at 13:24

 

 

Candidates running for chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council are getting one last chance today to sway the people who will be doing the voting.

 

Nearly 200 delegates representing the PAGC’s 12 member bands are in Prince Albert today for Day One of the grand council’s annual assembly.

 

Today’s agenda includes official nominations and speeches from the candidates. The actual voting takes place tomorrow.

 

Six people are trying to succeed chief Gary Merasty, who’s calling it quits after six years on the job.

 

The list of candidates includes a number of current and former First Nations leaders.

 

Former PAGC vice chief Elmer Ballantyne is making a run at the position, as is former Montreal Lake Cree Nation chief Richie Bird.

 

The race has also attracted a couple of sitting chiefs — Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation chief Ron Michel and Shoal Lake Cree Nation chief Marcel Head.

 

Also running is former Lac La Ronge Indian Band councillor Henry McKenzie and Hatchet Lake education director Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth.

 

This isn’t the only election taking place in First Nations circles this week. The FSIN will hold elections for two vice chief positions during its fall assembly later in the week in Saskatoon. As well, the English River First Nation holds its chief and council election on Wednesday.