By Colton Swiderski

Flying Dust First Nation to hold elections in December

Nov 9, 2016 | 4:00 PM

City and municipal elections may be over but for Flying Dust First Nation, the campaign is just beginning.

Following the nomination and opt-out deadline, Flying Dust’s new chief is acclaimed candidate Jeremy Norman who is taking over for Richard Gladue.

Vying for four council chairs are 10 band members. Oneil Gladue, Judy Bear, Laurence Bear, Richard Bear, Tyson Bear, Connie Derocher, Richard Derocher, Marie Gladue, Jon Mirasty, and Melvin Gordon are seeking election.

Flying Dust First Nation has roughly 900 band members eligible to vote. Executive assistant Carolyn Lachonce said election day is Dec. 5. To cast a ballot, Lachonce added residents can either vote via mail in ballot or on election day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Flying Dust Community Gym.

For mail-in ballots, Lachonce said residents come to the band office, fill out the necessary paperwork and bring ballots back anytime leading up to the election.

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Following the election, the new council will take office Dec. 6.

Previously following the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada regulations for elections, Lachonce said this year Flying Dust is adhering to the First Nation Elections Act. She added one of the main differences is in the past, any one could run for chief and council, even if they were not First Nations or was a member of the Flying Dust band. However, under the First Nation Elections Act, those running must be members of Flying Dust First Nation.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.

by Colton Swiderski

Flying Dust First Nation to hold elections in December

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