WHAT IS IN THE SAGKEENG FIRST NATION ELECTION LAW?
Term of office – under the Indian Act it is two years. The Sagkeeng Election law calls for four (4) year terms.
Who can nominate, vote, and run for office – All Fort Alexander Band members who are at least 18 years of age are entitled to nominate, vote, and run for office regardless of residency.
Amount of council members in office – The Sagkeeng Election Law calls for one (1) Chief and six (6) Councillors.
Nominee and nomination fee --That any citizen accepting a nomination under this Law will provide the Electoral Officer with a non-refundable administration fee of $75.00 for Chief and $50.00 for Councillor which will be used to assist in the cost of the election. Failure to pay the nomination fee will result in that nominee being removed from the election ballot by the Electoral Officer.
Posting of nominees – The Electoral Officer shall post a list of nominated citizens in public places and on the Sagkeeng website: www.sagkeeng.ca
Voting polls – There will be three (3) voting polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be two polls in Sagkeeng First Nation (north and south shore) and one in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The electorate will decide which poll they will vote at. Counting for all polls will be done in Sagkeeng First Nation the next day.
Post election results – Within four days after completion of the counting of votes, the Electoral Officer shall prepare and post a statement indicating the election results. The statement shall be posted publicly within Sagkeeng as well as on Sagkeeng radio and on the Sagkeeng website.
Election appeals – Currently, election appeals are determined by Indian Affairs. The Sagkeeng Election Law provides for the creation of an Election Appeal Board, which will allow for Sagkeeng to resolve its own election appeal issues.
Amendment to Sagkeeng Election Law – The Sagkeeng Election Law may be amended by utilizing the law-making processes used by our Lawmaker’s Assemblies or by referendum vote.
Please submit any comments, suggestions, or questions to Dena Henderson or Marilyn Courchene at the Sagkeeng Band office (367-2287) (1-866-878-2911) or email to: sagkeengelectioncode@sagkeeng.ca
