Fort Simpson (June 06/03) - Eight people are running for chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation.

There are 12 candidates for band council. Eight seats are open.

The list of candidates was finalized and made public on May 30, more than three days after nominations closed. Rosemary Gill, executive director for the LKFN, said the delay was caused by checking the candidates' eligibility under the band's new election code.

To meet the code's criteria, candidates must, among other things, not be in debt to the LKFN, not have a criminal record and be permanent residents of Fort Simpson.

"I confirmed the eligibility with council and council had decided to go with that list," said Gill.

None of the nominees were disqualified. One person withdrew from the race for council.

The election code has not been permanently adopted but was approved by chief and council for the upcoming election, Gill noted.

"This will be like a test," she said, adding that revisions, if any, will be made by Nov. 15.

The band's voters list comprises more than 800 people -- just under half of them live outside of Fort Simpson.

Through a survey of LKFN membership, it was decided that proxy votes would not be allowed for the band election.

However, the LKFN is checking with its lawyer on the issue.

"Whether or not membership can legally say that -- because there have been precedented court cases -- we'll see," Gill said. "Council may rescind that."

Community members can see the leadership contenders in action at a candidates forum on June 11. A list of questions has been drawn up for the event.

a full slate:

Running for chief:

Jonas Antoine

Ernest Cazon

Arnold Hope

Eric Menicoche

Keyna Norwegian

Ernest Tonka

Albert Tsetso

Mary Suzan Tsetso

Running for council:

Dennis Deneyoua

Irene Deneyoua

Hazel Isiah

Michael Lafferty

Ethel Lamothe

Loyal Letcher

Kevin Menicoche

Dennis Nelner

Judy Sabourin

Tammie Squirrel

Maurice Tanche

John Tsetso