By Nigel Maxwell

Pinehouse man hopes to break political trend

Sep 19, 2014 | 5:18 PM

The Athabasca riding in northwest Saskatchewan has been represented by one man for almost two decades, but a man from Pinehouse feels it could be time for a change.

Vince Natomagan is seeking the nomination for the Saskatchewan Party in the Athabasca riding. The riding is currently represented by the NDP's Buckley Belanger.

“It seems as we are moving this community forward, there are times where we wish, we say ‘jeez, it sure would be nice if we had a connection in Regina,’” said Natomagan.

Natomagan has lived in Pinehouse all his life. He currently works as the community's developer officer and played a leading role recently in establishing a collaboration agreement between the community and with two uranium companies, Cameco and Areva. The agreement could one day bring more jobs and economic growth to the community.

“With all due respect to our current MLA, maybe we need to as a region turn a new leaf and forge some real partnerships with not only industries but other governments,” said Natomagan.

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Natomagan said his political ambition comes down to providing a louder voice for the North.

“It's harder to do that when your representatives are sitting on the other side of the table if you will, rather than at a direct decision making table,” he said.

In addition to his community development role, Natomagan also hosts a radio program in Pinehouse and the executive director for Kineepik Metis Local (#9).

Natomagan is currently the only person seeking the nomination. A date has not yet been set for the nomination period to close.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell