Elections to be held for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

In 2016, a youth centre complete with pool and ping pong tables, television and couches, and a computer lab was constructed. Ben added council is in the process of also building a band hall to accommodate gatherings, ceremonies, or talent shows.

“[The builds are] to benefit our youth, to keep them busy and active, keep them away from drugs and alcohol, whatever we can do for our youth,” Ben said, adding the First Nation is also establishing a youth crisis centre equipped with counsellors for issues like home problems, suicide, or drugs and alcohol.

Besides infrastructure for youth, the First Nation is currently building three duplexes to support six families.

If re-elected to another term, Ben said he wants to continue to work on developing a resort on the First Nation.

Currently, there’s a 250 cabin resort in Makwa Sahgaiehcan. Ben said he wants to see that expand to include another 200 cabins while including 50 RV stalls and possibly, and a nine-hole golf course to create jobs and opportunity on the reserve.

To create even more jobs, Ben added council will look at building another gas station. He said there will also be temporary work available if council moves ahead with building a Pow-Wow Arbor and elder’s drop-in lodge.

Ben added if re-elected, he will lead council in planning and developing some policies to have better accountability.

“We’re looking at developing tenancy agreements for all home owners on the First Nation,” he said, adding the agreements will look at things like drug use, partying, and self-inflicted damage to homes.

Ben’s opponent in the election, Ronald Mitsuing, is a long-serving councillor who has been elected seven times for 14 total years.

Over his many years of service, like Ben, Mitsuing is proudest of the infrastructure builds in the community, particularly homes for families.

Mitsuing said this is his first time running for chief and added the inspiration to run came from the community’s elders.

If elected as chief, his first order of business will be to gather community members to heal. He explained during the campaign period, there’s lots of accusations and childish social media posts.

After the gathering, one of Mitsuing’s main priorities is helping residents with drug and alcohol addictions by getting them into rehab, bringing a mobile unit to the First Nation or the banishment bylaw.

“If these people don’t want to quit like we’ve asked them to, then at least leave the reserve for a while,” he added.

Running for six council positions are Albert Mooswa, Arnold Mitsuing, Calvin Morningchild, Charles Thundervoice, Dale Partridge, Darren Mitsuing, David Kytwayhat, David Partridge, Dean Mitsuing, Deborah Fineblanket, Derrick Cantre, Devin Mitsuing, Dion Fineblanket, Donovan Fineblanket, Doris Morningchild, Doug Morningchild, Frank Kytwayhat, Gary Mitsuing, Gerald Kiseyinewakup, Joyce Cantre, Kyle Fineblanket, Leon Mitsuing, Leon Weeseekase, Lloyd Weeseekase, Lorne Mitsuing, Marian Mitsuing, Melvin Mooswa, Michael Mitsuing, Robert Mitsuing, Theresa Otuskeepewisk, Vincent Kytwayhat and Walter Mitsuing.

Each term is for two years. Polls for the Feb. 23 Election Day are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the gym in the band office.

Email: colton.swiderski@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @coltonswiderski

by Colton Swiderski

Elections to be held for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

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