The Chief and Council would like to inform the membership that we have entered into the First Nations Election Act (FNEA), as many other First Nations have. A Band Council Resolution was sent in May of 2016 to opt into the FNEA process. This means our election will no longer fall under the Indian Act. There will be some minor changes to the way the election process works for the Chief and Council positions.
We want to provide the membership plenty of time to become familiar with the new rules and procedures for elections. Chief and Council will also be available for any questions or discussion the membership may have. On July 7th, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. we have set up an informal meeting for members to drop in and ask questions or to gain better clarification on the FNEA.
We have attached a comparison as well between the Indian Act and the FNEA rules and guidelines. Links are also available on the Georgina Island website where you can find more information.
We encourage everyone to share this information with family and friends so that they are aware of the new process and can also address any questions to the Council or the Electoral Officer Sylvia McCue.
Council supports this new process for our First Nation as it will give future elected leadership a longer term (4 Years) to incorporate plans, changes or projects that they feel are in their mandate for the membership.
Please refer to the links and the information provided so you can be familiar with the process for the upcoming election in 2017.
Chi-Miigwetch
Chippewas of Georgina Island