Snowdrift (May 23/05) - The Federal Court of Canada has extended an injunction against Lutsel K'e First Nation holding an election to replace Archie Catholique as chief.

Justice Paul Rouleau issued the order following a May 12 hearing in Edmonton.

The band council had planned an election for May 13.

"That was the main thing, stopping the election from proceeding," said Catholique.

The court case has its origins in his disputed ouster as chief in late January. Since then, he has maintained he is still chief, arguing his ouster didn't follow the band's election code. A teleconference court hearing will be held May 20 on interim management of the band.

"The lawyers will talk to their clients to see if a compromise can be found," said Catholique's lawyer, Steven Cooper of Edmonton.

A full judicial review will follow at an undetermined date.

Cooper expects the judicial review to be completed by mid to late summer.

Attempts to reach the band's lawyer or a band spokesperson on Friday were unsuccessful.