Beausoleil First Nation – Important Updated Information on the Upcoming Elections

March 25, 2008

The Mandate of the present Chief and Council is nearing the end of the term. The term being “a minimum of two years less a day” as quoted by Indian and Northern Affairs staff. Our term began on July 4th, 2006, therefore we have decided that the 2008 term will also begin on Friday, July 4, 2008.Once we determined the start date of the next term; then everything works back from there. The Nomination Meeting must be scheduled 42 days prior to the start of the next term which sets the date on Friday May 23, 2008. The actual election date is flexible but should be within a couple of weeks of the beginning of the next term to allow for a transitional period. At a meeting on January 23, 2008, Council decided to try something new. The election day has been scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2008. Council believes that this will provide an opportunity for our off reserve members to participate in the election process in person rather than through the mail. It would also bring our families home to share in the celebrations of Native Solidarity Day.

Another change this year in the election process is that effective May 20, 2008 off reserve members will have the ability to be nominated and elected for the position of Councillor. In the past elections; First Nation members had to have been residing [ordinarily resident] on reserve to be eligible to hold a seat on Council.

Chi-meegwetch to Janet Newdick who has accepted the role of the Beausoleil First Nation Electoral Officer for 2008.

There are some details that still remain that can be discussed at the next General Meeting of the membership.

Best Regards,
Chief Rodney Monague Jr.

Recent Court decision document: Gull Bay Decision – Eugene Esquega et al v. Attorney General of Canada