Rae (Feb 24/03) - Band members in Rae are organizing a petition calling for the removal of their chief and council.

Former band councillor John Mantla said some residents decided to start a petition after a public band council meeting was cancelled last Monday.

Mantla suspects the meeting was called off because council didn't want to face hostile questions from the public, demanding answers amid accusations of corruption and mismanagement by Chief Eddie Paul Rabesca and some councillors.

There also allegations circulating around the community suggesting a former band manager John Ivey had used band finances inappropriately.

"They're avoiding us (from) having a public meeting where the chief and council will be present," said Mantla.

Mantla said petitioners are hoping to obtain upwards of 600 signatures. He said they want to present them to council at a re-scheduled meeting tomorrow.

The problems began after a series of alleged correspondences between recently departed band manager Stephen Conway, his lawyer, and chief and council, began circulating around the community last month.

They portray numerous allegedly fraudulent activities that have taken place at the band office in recent years.

Rabesca did not return phone calls made to the band office.