Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, July 9, 2007

ARCTIC RED RIVER - Russel Andre has decided not to pursue his appeal against the Gwich'ya Gwich'in band elections in Tsiigehtchic.

On July 5, he said the case had caused too much conflict, and he didn't want to affect his friendships in the hamlet.

"Ah, let them have it," he said.

"The town is too divided, there's too much animosity. It's too hard to get along in a small town the way things are, so I'm going back to school," he said.

Andre, a father of six, added he would be finishing high school and then studying renewable resources.

He will continue to live in the hamlet.

"I wish them all good luck and I hope they do well for the community," he added.

On July 5, Frederick Blake, 30, was scheduled to be recognized by the RCMP and the hamlet in a formal induction ceremony.

"I just look to the positive side," he said of the voting controversy.

"I'm looking forward to serving the community."

Tsiigehtchic's elections was June 18 and when Blake and Andre both earned 27 votes, a winner was selected by draw.

However, one ballot for chief was declared spoiled and not counted during the election.

While he is disappointed at the result, Andre said he's keeping an open mind and thinks Blake has the potential to be a great Chief.

"If they don't do anything in two years, then for sure I'll be running again," he said. "But if things start to change for the positive, maybe I'll vote for him (Blake) next time around. You never know."

The next elections in Tsiigehtchic are scheduled for 2009.