The Mikisew Cree First Nation Election Appeal Committee has rejected all appeals contesting the results of the community’s general election held on June 20.
In a written decision on July 16, the committee ruled that the appellants failed to provide sufficient evidence to meet the grounds for appeal under the Mikisew Cree First Nation Election Regulation’s
The appeals were brought by Margaret Whiteknife, Carrie Vermillion, Rubi Sakeskanip-Shirley, Willis Flett, Wayne Wylie, Allan Mercredi, Billy-Joe Tuccaro, and Trista Shott.
A two-day hearing was held on July 10 and 13 in Fort Chipewyan, during which the appellants, respondents, and other interested parties presented evidence and oral submissions.
Under the First Nation’s election rules, the committee had three main options: dismiss the appeals, uphold the appeals while leaving the election results intact, or order a new election, byelection, or runoff if it determined that proven irregularities had materially affected the outcome.
The committee chose to dismiss the appeals, concluding that the evidence presented did not justify overturning or changing the results.
Detailed written reasons for the decision will be released in the coming weeks.
In its ruling, the committee also signaled its intention to recommend updates to the Mikisew Cree First Nation’s 1996 Customary Election Regulations. It noted that revisions are needed to modernize the rules, clarify procedures, and better align with 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.
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