Aklavik (July 14/03) - The new Dene Nation grand chief -- Noeline Villebrun -- nearly lost her seat over a causing a criminal disturbance charge.

Villebrun won 99 to 83 over her opponent, Richard Edjericon of Yellowknife during the Dene Nation Assembly in Aklavik, July 4.

Noeline Villebrun

But a causing a disturbance charge against Villebrun had delegates questioning their decision the next day.

The more than 200 delegates spent five hours behind closed doors to discuss Villebrun's brush with the law, July 5.

"I was excited, then upset, then excited again," said Villebrun of her win and the in-camera session.

Villebrun has been charged with causing a disturbance by Fort Resolution RCMP and will appear in the Fort Resolution territorial court July 28.

"I was advised not to mention anything just yet," she said during a telephone interview, July 10.

"It may jeopardize my defence. A person is innocent until proven guilty."

The alleged incident happened at Deninoo school, May 27, said Cpl. Sylvain Lemoyne of the Fort Resolution RCMP.

Although he couldn't talk about Villebrun's case, he said the charge usually involves verbal violence like insulting, shouting and screaming in a public place.

The issue is an ongoing one at the school.

Lemoyne said someone else was charged with the same violation as Villebrun the same week.

At the assembly Villebrun was accused of facing an assault charge and withholding information from the delegates.

"My intention wasn't to go there and bring dishonour to the Dene Nation," she said of why she didn't divulge the charge before the election.

"I am entitled to a fair defence." She said the charge has nothing to do with whether she can do her new job or not.

"I'm not going to let it hold me back."

If convicted, Villebrun will probably face a fine or a probationary period, said Lemoyne.