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Who's the boss?

Bobby Cayen Jr. still chief, but Thomas claims leadership

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Sep 29/03) - West Point First Nation in Hay River has entered a new round of political uncertainty.

The leadership of Chief Bobby Cayen Jr., who was elected in June, is being challenged.

A group of band members have named their own interim chief -- Ken Thomas -- and a new interim council.

Thomas claims he is supported by most of the approximately 60 band members, who he says are upset by "mismanagement, incompetence and immaturity" in the Bobby Cayen-led council.

Chief Cayen could not be reached for comment.

However, the chief and council issued a news release late Friday afternoon, stating they will maintain their positions and conduct essential band business "in spite of the efforts of a small group of band members to take control of the organization."

Request to DIAND

The council also requested DIAND intervene for an immediate administrative and governance review to identify ways to resolve the conflicts within the WPFN.

"The council has further requested that DIAND manage the affairs of the WPFN while this review is being conducted, in order to protect the interests of all band members."

The release also noted Chief Cayen will be out of the community for two weeks. Coun. Kenny Cayen has been appointed acting chief for that period.

In reaction to the news release, Thomas said he agrees with the request for DIAND involvement. "That should have happened a long time ago."

The interim chief and council were chosen at a meeting on Sept. 22, and Thomas says a new election will be held in October. It would be a custom election designed by elders.

George Cleary, DIAND's director of Indian and Inuit Services, said Bobby Cayen is still chief.

Speaking Friday before the band's news release was issued, Cleary explained the dissident group incorrectly passed a band council resolution (BCR) at a Sept. 15 meeting. The BCR was designed to remove Chief Cayen and Coun. Kenny Cayen from office.

However, Cleary said the BCR is not valid because it was not signed by the chief and council.

"We cannot accept that as a legal band council resolution. It would be legal chaos."

Karen Thomas -- a former chief and Ken Thomas's sister -- argues the membership has ultimate power to replace a chief and council, and says the BCR is valid. "They can say what they want, but there is no Chief Bobby Cayen as far as the membership is concerned."

Cleary explained that if a group of band members wants to remove the chief and council, there is a recall process in the band's election code passed in May.

The dissident group did not follow that process. Cleary said DIAND could provide a mediator for the two sides. "I think it's something that the band and the membership have to work out."