By Bryan Eneas

Montreal Lake Cree Nation heading back to polls

Oct 6, 2017 | 8:30 AM

A by-election has been called for the Montreal Lake Cree Nation’s Chief position after an appeal of the results was upheld.

Candidate Roger L. Bird filed an appeal of the election this past April. Bird said he was happy his voice would be heard. 

“I feel awesome, it’s just amazing,” Bird said. “We didn’t think we would get another shot.”

In May of this year, Bird had concerns processes were not followed. He submitted an appeal package including 10 points, of which the appeals committee upheld at least one. On Sept. 27, a release posted by the chief electoral officer called for a special by-election.

Bird said the candidates listed on the first ballot are eligible to run in the by-election and he will again seek election for the chief’s position. He’s now running a campaign promoting transparency, fairness and equality to the members of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, and he’s seeking a re-unification of sorts.

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“We’ve been battling so much in the last few months, fighting amongst each other, that’s not right for a community,” Bird said. “I want to bring that community back together… Bringing a voice back to the people is my number one goal right now.”

Bird said as chief, he would lobby for more housing for the residents of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation. He will also add one additional council position, to represent the urban members. The Cree Nation has one councillor to service the urban membership in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and La Ronge. Bird said the great distance and number of urbanites creates a large workload.

“It’s quite a big area, and quite a few members, so it’s pretty hard to get a hold of [the urban councillor], and it’s not because he doesn’t want us to get a hold of him, but he’s just too busy right now,” Bird said.

According to a posting on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation’s Facebook, declarations of intent to run for the chief’s position are due on Nov. 2. The by-election will be hosted on Nov. 27.

paNOW will try to reach out to the remainder of the candidates for Chief in the Montreal Lake Cree Nation by-election to learn about their campaigns.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas