Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, June 11, 2007

FORT SMITH - A race is on for the top job with Smith's Landing First Nation (SLFN).

Chief Jerry Paulette is being challenged by former chief Fred Daniels in an election set for June 15.

The vote will also fill the four seats on band council.

Three incumbents are running - Agnes Cheezie, Magloire Paulette and Peter Paulette - along with Thaidene Paulette, Lorraine MacDonald, Elizabeth (Liz) Stirret, Eileen Tourangeau, May Tourangeau and Tony Vermillion.

SLFN has about 300 members - including 170 to 180 eligible voters.

They mainly live in Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald, Alta.

Paulette, who has been chief since 2002, has also served as leader several times since he was first elected in 1987.

"There's a lot of work to be done to put in place strategies for community development," he said, listing his priorities as education, economic growth, community wellness, housing and infrastructure.

Paulette said he didn't think he would run again because of an illness involving his young daughter Daynee, who passed away in 2005.

"Everything in the world became secondary to providing care for my daughter," he said.

Now, he hopes to continue the work that had to be put in the background.

One of the major issues facing the band is the idea of hydroelectric development on the Slave River, which runs through Smith's Landing reserve land in Northern Alberta.

Paulette said the First Nation is opposed to any hydro project on the river, as being considered by two Alberta companies.

"First Nations' people are naturally environmentally conscious people," he said.

Chief Paulette said he personally doesn't campaign for office. "I don't believe that to be the Dene way."

Instead, he said he leaves the outcome of elections to the people and God's will.

Daniels was chief from 2000-2002.

"I want to come back and finish off what I envision," he said.

His first priority would be to create employment for band members, he said.

Daniels also wants to build a "stable foundation" for the First Nation by creating a greater sense of community.

"You've got to get people working together," he said, adding he would hold more feasts and family events.

In addition, he would encourage young people to get involved in the First Nation through a youth council to present their issues and help develop the next generation of leaders.

As chief, he said he would also develop on-the-land programs to help young people not attending school. They could work with trappers to make money and learn a traditional skill.

On the issue of hydro development on the Slave River, Daniels said he is not in favour or opposed, but willing to hear out the idea to discover the benefits for SLFN.

If elected chief, Daniels doesn't plan to resign as a Fort Smith town councillor.

"I wouldn't because they're two difference jurisdictions," he said, adding many SLFN members live in Fort Smith.

In 2003, Daniels ran unsuccessfully for the mayor's job in Fort Smith.