SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Suspended Ndilo chief Ted Tsetta has filed a lawsuit against the Yellowknives Dene First Nation band council over its decision to cut off his pay and strip him of his authority as chief last year.
Tsetta is seeking the salary and benefits he would have received if not for what he calls an "unlawful" suspension, coverage of his legal fees and a declaration stating the band council acted outside of its jurisdiction during this matter, according to a federal court document.
The Ndilo chief was suspended in early June, days after he signed a letter alleging mismanagement and corruption within the Yellowknives band council. The letter, which was sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, called for the termination of Dettah Chief Ed Sangris and the band council. However, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development refused to step in.
Tsetta told the Yellowknifer previously that although he endorsed the document it was written by "the membership."
"When you get direction from the membership you have to do what they tell you," he said in June.
Tsetta has made numerous requests for council to reinstate his powers as chief and to resume his pay. In response, the Yellowknives' counsel informed Tsetta on Oct. 5 that he wasn't owed any money and that he would have to meet a number of conditions before being reinstated, according to an application filed in federal court by Tsetta's counsel Kristan McLeod and John Carpenter.
"None of these conditions are authorized to be imposed upon an elected official pursuant to the YKDFN Election Policy," the document continues.
Tsetta's term as chief is up June 15, 2013. However, Roy Erasmus Sr. took over Tsetta's duties after he was suspended.
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation declined to comment given that the issue is still before the courts.
No court date has been set yet for this case.
