Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Sep 09/02) - The Salt River First Nation has a new chief.

Victor Marie emerged victorious from a three-man race for chief in the Aug. 30 election.

Victor Marie has been elected the new chief of the Salt River First Nation.- Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"Like all band members, I wanted to see a change within the First Nation's leadership," Marie said of his reasons for running.

However, he said the desire for a change was not because of any particular issues, just a general sense that change was needed.

Marie tallied 61 votes, compared with 50 for incumbent chief Jim Schaefer and 40 for Henry Beaver Sr.

A new council was also elected. It consists of incumbents Sonny MacDonald (76 votes), Raymond Beaver (73) and Melvin Wandering Spirit (57), along with newcomers Delphine Beaulieu (67), Toni Heron (64) and Norman Starr (64).

Marie said he is pleased with the new council, calling it "a real good cross-section of members."

Work together

The new chief, who previously served as a councillor with the former Fitz-Smith Native Band, said it is too early to be specific about his plans as leader.

"I'd like to see all band members work and come together as a people and move ahead for a brighter future for all," he said, adding he will be consulting with elders and other band members.

Marie said he would like to see the SRFN work more closely with the overall community of Fort Smith, and with organizations such as the municipality, Smith's Landing First Nation and the Metis Council.

"But my first priority is the band members," he said.

Marie said he will treat all members honourably and fairly, and be open with all of them. "That's what they want."

The 50-year-old said he will be leaving his job as a truck driver at the Ekati diamond mine to concentrate on his new duties.

As for former chief Schaefer, he said he was not surprised by the election results.

"I figured that's the way it was going to go," he said, explaining he could foresee the outcome in the way people acted towards him.

Even when people were saying they were going to vote for him, he said he knew that wasn't always the case.

Schaefer said one faction of the band would have voted against him no matter what, while another faction figured that, now that the band is receiving treaty land entitlement money, it should be offering more help to individual members.

"It just doesn't work that way," he said.

"It's not even possible for the chief to do that."

Late last year, the SRFN signed a treaty land entitlement agreement with the federal government. The deal includes $83 million and reserve land in and outside of Fort Smith and in Wood Buffalo National Park.

Schaefer, 65, said not being chief takes a big load off his mind, and he will take some time before deciding what he will do next.

"It's been an enjoyable two and a half years, but you won't see me as chief anymore," he said, explaining this is the end of his involvement in band politics.