Wrigley (July 10/06) - After months of political uncertainty, Wrigley's Pehdzeh Ki First Nation has elected a new chief and half of a council.

Tim Lennie, who has served as chief several times over the years, was returned to the job in an election held July 7.

Lennie, 49, is the third person to hold the post this year for Pehdzeh Ki.

The two preceding chiefs and their councils were forced out of office at membership meetings.

"My main concern is getting some stability in the organization and getting the people united," said Lennie Friday, moments after the election results became known.

Lennie captured 18 votes, compared to eight for Billy Bertrand. There were 64 eligible voters. Lennie was last chief in 2003.

The community now needs a united front to deal with other governments and industry, he said.

"If we don't have that, we're only shooting ourselves in the foot."

Lennie said his goals will be whatever the community puts forth as their concerns, noting there will be discussions about the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, the Dehcho Process and other issues.

However, he said social issues - such as culture, language and on-the-land programs - are high on his list. "Social conditions in our community need to be uplifted," he said.

Only three candidates stepped forward for the six-person council and all were acclaimed.

They are Jesse Clille, George Moses and David Moses, who was chief up to earlier this year.

The remaining seats on council may be filled by appointment.

The July 7 election followed a period of political musical chairs in Wrigley, a community of about 175 on the Mackenzie River.

In January, band members passed a motion to remove then chief David Moses and dissolve what remained of council.

The main reason was because Moses had been charged with possession of marijuana the year before, a charge for which he later pleaded guilty and was fined $250.

There were also concerns about a lack of communication between the leaders and membership.

Then on Feb. 2, Gabe Hardisty was elected chief. However, in June, he and his six-member council stepped down after a petition of non-confidence was presented at a membership meeting.