Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, March 26, 2007

FORT SMITH - Jim Schaefer has resigned as chief of Salt River First Nation (SRFN).

Schaefer said the move early this month was caused by a combination of personal reasons and a difference of opinion with council over the future direction of the Fort Smith-based band.

"I'm not making any headway with the band," he said. "If I'm not making any headway with the band, it's just as well to stay home."

The former chief explained he would like to see SRFN get into business ventures and do more to promote education.

However, he said council has a different view.

"They want to be a social band," he said, explaining that means it would simply look after members' needs.

Problems with the council came to a head in late February, when Schaefer was suspended for two weeks.

He said he was suspended because he had been home sick for six working days.

The former chief said the suspension, which ended Feb. 28, was the final straw and he resigned March 1.

Schaefer said the stress of the job was affecting his health, noting he had lost a lot of weight.

"Basically, now I plan to retire," he said, adding he will be 70 on April 7. "I think it's time to cash in."

The former chief said he plans to spend more time with his family

Schaefer served as chief for about five years in all. He was first elected in 2000 for over two years, and then elected again in 2004.

Acting Chief Toni Heron said a by-election has been called for April 30 to choose someone to complete the remaining 16 months of the chief's term. Schaefer was elected to a four-year term in 2004.

"We are in by-election mode right now," Heron said.

Nominations opened March 21 and will close April 2.

Heron said Schaefer didn't explain his departure in his resignation letter, but she understands it was for personal and health reasons.

As for his comments about business and education, Heron said she agrees, but believes the criticism is misdirected.

"I think it's the membership that's stopping progress," she said, pointing to a non-binding motion passed at a general membership meeting against a proposed youth development centre.

Heron also noted the former chief was suspended by council because he didn't report to work after a medical leave had ended.

The acting chief said the resignation was not caused by any major division in the band as has sometimes existed in the past.

"There's no big feud going on," she said. "We're still moving along."

Heron said she won't be running for chief.

As of March 21, two people have expressed interest in running for the position, although Heron declined to identify them.