Red Pheasant First Nation Chief Stewart Baptiste has been sentenced for driving tickets and breaches of probation.
In North Battleford Provincial Court today, he received a suspended sentence and six months probation.
Court was told he breached probation by drinking alcohol. He also got two tickets for driving while prohibited.
North Battleford Provincial Court Judge David Kaiser warned Baptiste if he violates probation again he could do jail time.
He also received about a thousand dollars in fines for the driving-while-suspended tickets.
Judge Kaiser said by disobeying the law, Baptiste is setting a poor example for reserve residents.
Five people picketed outside court, saying Baptiste should resign for breaking the law. Elsie Wuttnunee was one of them:
“He’s before the courts. He’s been before the courts for how many years now since he’s been in — two years?”
But Geraldine Frenchman was among those supporting the chief. She says he made a mistake, like anyone could.
“Everyone makes mistakes. God put him to be our chief for two years, and he will be our chief.”
Baptiste was re-elected earlier this year, despite his well-documented brushes with the law.
He is scheduled to stand trial this fall for impaired driving charges.
Aboriginal Affairs officials have said if Baptiste is convicted of an indictable offence, he could be removed from office.