PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY - When members of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in Wrigley fill out their ballots on Dec. 10, they will have the option of electing one of four men who are already familiar with the position of chief.

Incumbent Albert Moses along with David Moses, Lloyd Moses and Tim Lennie have each already served as chief of the First Nation at least once in the past. The election is also pitting family members against each other. David and Lloyd are brothers, and Albert is their step-brother.

Deh Cho Drum asked each candidate what they think is the most pressing issue for the first nation and how they would address it if elected. The candidates were also given the chance to talk about the other issues that Wrigley is facing.

Albert Moses

Albert has been the acting chief in Wrigley since August. He also served a number of terms as chief in the 1990s. Albert was nominated by community members, and although he wasn't planning to run again, he let his name stand because of their requests.

The most pressing issue for Wrigley is to stop the internal fighting amongst the band members, said Albert.

"Everybody's got to work together," he said.

The band has other issues that need to be dealt with but nothing can be done until everyone agrees to work co-operatively, said Albert. To help alleviate the problem, Albert said he will look for employment opportunities so people can stop competing over the few jobs currently available.

Other issues band members are concerned about include the Dehcho Process and education. Members are worried about their treaty rights and many, including some elders, don't agree with land selection, he said.

There also need to be services in place to help students stay in school and to help those who have dropped out to return. The community needs well-educated youth, said Albert.

Social problems are also a pressing issue in the community.

"If we don't deal with it it will just keep going on and on," he said.

Tim Lennie

Lennie has been the chief of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation approximately four times since 1986. His most recent term ended in January 2007 when he stepped down after six months in power.

Lennie said he's rested for a few years and feels that he can use his experience to help the community. Some residents also asked him to return as chief, he said.

The most pressing issue for Wrigley is communication and unity, said Lennie.

If elected, Lennie said he would hold public meetings every month so residents can identify issues and give feedback.

"You have to have the people guide and direct you," he said.

More people need to participate in the Dehcho Process and land planning so they can have ownership over the decisions that are made, Lennie said. The community also needs to prepare for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Mackenzie Gas Project in case they move forward.

Youth are another point of concern in the community.

"They have very little to do these days," said Lennie.

Lennie wants to identify the reason behind the high school drop out rates and provide on the job training opportunities for teenagers. He also wants to draw attention back to the local culture and language through handgames and drum dances.

"We need to regroup and re-organize ourselves and see where we're going," said Lennie.

David Moses

David served as chief for a year and a half starting in 2005. He was removed from power in January 2006 for reasons that he said related to his alcohol abuse.

David said he's been sober for two years and that members of the community asked him to run for chief. He's currently the community foreman.

The number one issue in Wrigley is that the leadership should consult with the members. David said he would hold meetings on a minimum of a monthly basis to inform residents about what the chief and council has accomplished and to get direction on what they want to see done.

David said he would also include the younger generation by forming a youth committee that could bring their own requests to the leadership.

"They have to be involved because one day they'll be our leaders," he said.

Other important issues include getting more resources for the youth like a swimming pool and an indoor skating rink.

David would also like to form a land and resources committee that would focus on any developments happening on the band's traditional land. The committee would ensure more people become involved in making decisions about future developments, he said.

The community also needs to be prepared for the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline and any possible resource developments across the Mackenzie River. The community should also be consulted about the extension of the Mackenzie Valley Highway because it crosses our land, said David.

Lloyd Moses

Lloyd said he served as chief for a few months before the current leadership was put in place. He was also a member of the band council twice.

The primary issue for Wrigley is uniting together, said Lloyd.

"It's crucial we need to be together. If one individual has something to say we have to listen," he said.

If elected, Lloyd said he would revive the community hunts and community gatherings on the land.

He also has plans to visit with the band's elders and hold public meetings. The next chief and council has to have a clear mandate from the people on how to make decisions and expenditures, he said.

Lloyd said he would also post a plaque in the band's office stating that the leadership and employees are there working for everyone.

"We're there to fight for the people not to fight against the people," he said.

Other issues include bringing transparency to the band's finances. The financial statements should be available for anyone who wants to see them, said Lloyd.

Lloyd also has plans to create a position so one person would be in charge of tracking the band's involvement in the Dehcho Process and access and benefits negotiations. The band needs one person so everything doesn't start from scratch with each new leadership change, he said.

Lloyd also has an interest in creating more activities and support for youth and elders.