FORT CHIPEWYAN — The Mikisew Cree First Nation Election Appeal Committee has dismissed appeals challenging the results of the First Nation’s June 20 general election.
In a written decision dated July 16, the committee concluded the evidence presented by the appellants did not establish the necessary grounds for an appeal under the Mikisew Cree First Nation Election Regulations.
The appeals were filed by Margaret Whiteknife, Carrie Vermillion, Rubi Sakeskanip-Shirley, Willis Flett, Wayne Wylie, Allan Mercredi, Billy-Joe Tuccaro and Trista Shott.
A hearing into the appeals was held July 10 and 13 in Fort Chipewyan, where appellants, respondents and other interested parties presented evidence and submissions to the committee.
Under the First Nation’s election regulations, the committee could dismiss the appeals, uphold the appeals while allowing the election results to stand, or order a new election, byelection or runoff vote if it found the alleged irregularities materially affected the outcome.
Instead, the committee dismissed the appeals, finding the evidence did not fully establish the grounds required to overturn or alter the election results.
The committee said detailed reasons for its decision will be released as soon as reasonably practicable.
It also indicated it intends to recommend updates to the Mikisew Cree First Nation’s 1996 Customary Election Regulations, saying changes are needed to modernize the rules, clarify procedures and better reflect the community’s current needs.
The decision was signed by committee chair and elder Judy Marleene Hall, elder Mathew Lepine, elder Joseph Gibot, and members-at-large Claris Voyageur and Archie Waquan.
Comments