Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Aug 05/05) - Harry Deneron walked into the Fort Liard band office on July 27 and confronted Floyd Bertrand, the man who stands between him and the chief's position.

"I said, 'Floyd, what are you doing? You're causing a lot of anger around the community and the people are divided,'" said Deneron. He won the July 14 band election with 136 votes to 82 for Bertrand.

"And I said, 'We're not going to keep fighting like this Floyd. I want to get going here.'"

He said Bertrand agreed that the situation is "a big mess."

The two men shook hands and Bertrand walked out of the office, according to Deneron.

Bertrand offered a different account. He said Deneron came in to make a phone call that day.

Because the band office provides that sort of service to band members, Bertrand said he stepped out while Deneron placed his call.

Furthermore, he said he and Deneron did not shake hands. On Monday, Bertrand reiterated his stance that voters were improperly influenced to vote for Deneron - a claim that returning officer Rita Cazon has validated.

Because Bertrand's appeal was upheld, the election results are therefore not binding, they argue.

"He (Deneron) thinks he's the chief but really he's not. We still hold signing authority and he's not sworn-in by the cops," said Bertrand, who added that he and his band council plan to call another election.

After consulting their respective lawyers, each man is contending that the other must file an application in federal court if they want to challenge the outcome.

Both men have been in and out of the band office since. Deneron said he had to borrow a key to get inside.

Staff stressed

They do agree on one thing - the ongoing dispute is taking a toll on band staff and Beaver Enterprises workers.

The office buildings were practically vacated last week. Some employees have asked for stress leave, according to Deneron.

"Right now how can we get anything done?" he asked. "We're just dealing with crisis. That's all we're doing now."