Hay River (Mar 08/04) - A divided First Nation has agreed on a path it hopes will end its internal disputes and squabbling.

Members at a meeting last week at Hay River's West Point First Nation agreed to a new election on March 25.

Karen Felker, who was elected WPFN's second chief in a disputed election in November, makes a point. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The legally-recognized council, led by Chief Bobby Cayen, has agreed to resign. In fact, two members announced their resignations right at the membership meeting.

Likewise, a dissident chief and council, elected in November, also agreed to resign.

The existence of two opposing councils was just the latest scene in an ongoing political drama dividing the 70-member band, often along family lines.

Despite the history of sometimes rancorous disagreements, last week's meeting was surprisingly calm.

James Cayen, a member of the legally-recognized council who resigned at the meeting, said a new election is the "simplest solution" to the battle.

Cayen said he hopes it will make a difference.

Ken Thomas, one of the leading dissidents, called the election a positive step which will mean more involvement of the community in band affairs. "We're on the right track now."

Lack of unity a concern

During the meeting, elder John Michel addressed the meeting in his Slavey language, calling for a new election and for the issues to be dealt with then.

He said he was concerned young people were being affected by the lack of unity in the band.

The First Nation will choose a new chief and six councillors, two more than the current four seats.

The chief will be elected at large.

The council will be divided equally among the three families making up the band. The Cayen, Thomas and Michel families will each appoint one elder. The candidate from each family receiving the highest number of votes will also win a seat on council.

The election will not use the band's 2003 election code. It was roundly criticized by dissidents for not having the support of members and putting too much power in the hands of the chief and council.

Instead, the election will use a modified election policy from 1997. These were reviewed on a flip chart by all in attendance.

Criticism of council

During the meeting, Karen Felker, who was chosen chief by dissidents in disputed elections in November, said she was concerned about the band's leadership. She accused council of misusing funds, not keeping proper records, disrespecting members and not meeting the needs of the band.

"It's got to stop," she said.

Felker also accused the leadership of making the WPFN a laughing stock of the Deh Cho. "The respect that our First Nation had is gone."

Chief Bobby Cayen was largely silent throughout the meeting, sitting quietly and apparently taking notes.

Cayen only briefly spoke to welcome members, and later to agree that a new election was needed. He also voiced that his council would resign to make way for the vote, a decision they were not forced into by the members.

Coun. Kenny Cayen agreed a new election was necessary.

"We've got to start working together," he said.

Kenny Cayen also suggested the community needs traditional healing, such as drum dances.

Most agreed the process leading to the agreement for a new election was an exercise in grassroots democracy and diplomacy.

The diplomacy was provided by Herb Norwegian, the Grand Chief of the Deh Cho First Nations, who chaired the three-and-a-half-hour meeting.

Norwegian prodded and encouraged members to reach a settlement. In his opening remarks, he advised speakers to stay away from the negative.

He painted a picture of how a band should work, while noting there will always be problems.

"It will work out, but, if you focus on issues that are irrelevant, you lose your focus," said Norwegian.

The band was also encouraged to settle its differences by Deh Cho assistant negotiator Sam Gargan and Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation Chief Lloyd Chicot of Kakisa.