Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Wrigley (Sep 20/02) - After being removed from office in August, Percy Hardisty is still toiling to re-establish himself as chief of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation.

Hardisty met with the band council on Monday.

After returning to Fort Simpson that evening, he said things went well.

"It's in the process. We still have to work through some hoops and loops," he said.

A byelection to replace Hardisty, already rescheduled to last Thursday, was postponed a second time.

Acting chief Elsie Hardisty and all of the band councillors were said to be travelling Tuesday and unavailable for comment.

He said he has contacted a lawyer, but met directly with band council Monday, without any third parties present.

A reticent Hardisty wouldn't speculate as to when or under what conditions he may resume his duties as chief. Neither would he comment on the status of fired senior administrative officer Jacob Pete or dismissed economic development officer Jim Smith.

"I can't really say at this time," Hardisty said.

"I don't have any comment on that."

He added that no date has been set for a follow-up meeting between himself and Pehdzeh Ki council.

However, the band's annual general meeting is taking place this week.

Hardisty was ousted as chief following a non-confidence vote at a public meeting on Aug. 12.

He was out of town at the time.