Gameti group opposes chief
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Gameti (Nov 06/00) - With 11 months left in his term, Chief Archie Wetrade is facing opposition from a group that wants an election now.
When Wetrade was elected chief of Gameti (Rae Lakes) First Nation Band in October last year, he pledged to work closely with the community.
That's not happening said Henry Gon, who served as chief for 13 years before he lost to Wetrade last year.
"Everything has fallen apart," said Gon. He forwarded a petition with the signatures of 94 residents to the band council requesting a new election in the community of about 300 residents.
Gon accused the chief and council of neglecting the community's social problems and for a lack of traditional activities.
"People with problems select non-experienced people, so they can bring drugs in, booze in," he said.
Wetrade said there is help for those who need treatment, adding he believes drug and alcohol abuse is no worse in Gameti than any other community.
As for the lack of community activities, Wetrade said there was a feast last Christmas, another in September, and other community events last summer.
However, he admitted organizing activities was not always feasible.
"It's not worth having a drum dance when there's one-third of the people out of town," said Wetrade.
For the former chief, there is simply no communication between the band and the community, especially when it comes to benefit funds and band money.
"They're supposed to get public input for the mandate, but that's not happening," said Gon.
Wetrade agrees with public input, but admitted that, especially for the new councillors, it takes time to come up with a mandate.
"If we're going to have a community assembly, we have to have something in agenda so that the people understand what is happening in our community," said Wetrade.
Wetrade said he has no intention of calling a new vote.
"In a small community like this, you can't satisfy everybody," he said.
