Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Wrigley (Nov 22/02) - Tim Lennie has once again been elected chief of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in Wrigley.

Lennie, who has been chief several times, defeated challengers Albert Moses and David Moses at the polls on Friday. He fills a void left by acting chief Elsie Hardisty, who resigned on Oct. 17.

The chosen band councillors are Adele Hardisty, Mary Alice Christopher, Leo Moses, Alfred Williams, Camille Neyelle and Morris Moses.

Lennie, who met with band council for the first time on Monday afternoon, said his top priorities are healthy living, education and economic and resource development.

He said he and his council will spend much of the near future in orientation sessions.

"That's basically what we're going to do until after Christmas, anyways, is educate ourselves," he said.

Percy Hardisty, who was removed as chief through a non-confidence vote in August, said he doesn't recognize Lennie as chief. Hardisty is trying to re-establish himself as the community's leader and has retained a lawyer to assist him. He chose not to run in last week's election because he said it could have jeopardized his case, which he said is progressing.

Lennie responded that the band "has washed its hands" of the Hardisty affair.

"He may not recognize that I'm the leader but the (band) membership recognize that I am. That's more important," Lennie said.

"We don't have the time or energy to deal with those things.

"I've stated many times that he (Hardisty) has every right to come into the community and meet with the people to reaffirm his position. But he has not called on the membership to have a public meeting."