Former Wrigley chief disappointed in decision but glad she 'can finally tell the truth'

Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, January 22, 2015

PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY
A federal court judge has dismissed Sharon Pellissey's application to be reinstated as chief of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation.

The First Nations council voted Pellissey out in October 2013, citing breach of professional conduct, public intoxication, disclosure of confidential information and lack of communication.

The decision was made following a public meeting where the majority of members in attendance voted to hold a byelection to elect a new chief.

In a written submission, Pellissey argued the allegations put forward by council weren't supported by evidence and that her dismissal didn't follow proper procedure.

She also argued that she wasn't given a chance to address the claims made against her. She tried during the public meeting but was "cut-off," Pellissey said in an interview last week.

"(Council) put those allegations onto a band council resolution and they took that right to the public," she said. "In other words, they had decided already for the public. The public didn't have a lot to go on so they went with the band council resolution that was tabled."

According to court documents, the band's senior administrative officer Darcy Moses testified that he received calls from community members complaining about the chief's behaviour.

The council had also asked her not to attend a meeting in Hay River because of concerns about her intoxication but she went anyway, the court heard.

Justice James O'Reilly rules there was reliable evidence of Pellissey's misconduct and found the process by which she was removed to be fair.

"Ms. Pellissey was given notice, advised of the allegations in issue, provided an opportunity to address those allegations, and given the benefit of a public vote," stated O'Reilly in his written decision.

"After the vote, Ms. Pellissey wrote to Council and expressed her thanks, requested a severance package, and asked for old job back as Lands Officer.

She did not complain about the process by which she was removed."

Pellissey served as chief from July 25, 2013 to Oct. 29, 2013.She ran in the byelection and received 11 votes. Tim Lennie, the winner, garnered 21 votes.

Pellissey said she's disappointed in the judge's decision but added, "I'm relieved the lawsuit is over because now I can finally tell the truth."

The real reason for her dismissal, Pellissey alleges, was she found out the bands finances were a mess and that Pehdzeh Ki Contractors Ltd. was about to go under and wanted to inform the public. A forensic audit showed money was missing from the band but it couldn't be traced, she added.

"I wanted to get back in so I could straighten this out," said Pellissey.

"This is not finished, this is not over, this will continue on and because the lawsuit is over now I can produce those documents that support me when I bring this forward to the public and that will happen.

"I have not given up on the organization and I have not given up on my people."

Deh Cho Drum was unable to reach Pehdzi Keh Chief Tim Lennie by press time.