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Feds not getting involved in disputed DKFN election Paul Bickford Northern News Services Published Monday, June 6, 2011
That was made clear in an April 29 letter from the deputy minister of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development - formerly Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Michael Wernick wrote in response to Feb. 18 correspondence from Tom Unka, who finished second in the race for chief. "Although Indian and Northern Affairs Canada appreciates your concerns regarding the activities surrounding the recent election, we do not have any legislative authority to oversee the process," wrote Wernick. Chief Louis Balsillie is not surprised by the department's position. "I knew that was going to be what the answer was," he said. "In the past, we've had dealings and INAC doesn't get involved with band politics." Balsillie said he hopes the matter is now over. Unka had no comment on the letter from the federal department. In the February vote, Unka finished second in a four-person race for chief. Five councillors were also chosen in the election. Afterwards, Unka launched an unsuccessful appeal to the DKFN's electoral officer. The appeal listed a number of concerns, including the opening times for the polling station, the eligibility of candidates, harassment during the campaign and other issues. The appeal was rejected by a three-person committee made up of Fort Resolution residents who are not members of DKFN. In March, Unka also collected names on a petition calling on the minister to overturn the February election and order a new vote under federal supervision. At that time, the petition had more than 60 signatures. The petition has not yet been submitted to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. In March, Unka said the petition route was taken over his other option of challenging the election results in court. The band's previous election in late 2009 was overturned in court.
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