Samson sit-in leads to discussions, but ends in chief leaving

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A sit-in at the Samson First Nation band office in Hobbema by 20 protesters triggered week long meetings at the band's bingo hall, resulting in Chief Florence Buffalo taking a three month leave of absence.

Buffalo is reported to have said the time off is to take care of her ailing husband.

The sit-in leading to the chief's announcement started when protesters entered the band office Wednesday, Aug. 27, citing discontent with the way the band council and chief were running things.

A Samson man who didn't want his name used said he took part in the demonstration because he doesn't think the council is operating in the best interests of the people they represent.

"We have no idea what's happening on our own land. There should be people [in office] for us," he said.

The man said the protesters were questioning financial issues stemming from a forensic audit 10 years ago.

"There were some recommendation called for, but never followed up."

He said Chief Buffalo needs to be more accountable.

The man said the protesters were prepared to stay in the band office until they met with Indian Affairs representatives, Reform MP and Aboriginal Affairs critic Mike Scott, Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart, and newly elected Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine.

The sit-in ended on Sunday, Aug. 31, when the protesters left the building peacefully, just before the deadline of a court injunction requested by Buffalo and her council that would have forced the local police to remove the protesters.

The man said the protesters didn't want to turn it into a violent protest and said that force wouldn't have been needed to get them out.

Ellroy Strawberry Rain was also part of the protest, but remained outside the band office.

He said band members want to see changes in how things are run.

If the temporary departure of Chief Buffalo will result in any changes was not known by publication time.

Chief Buffalo could not be reached for comment and the Samson band administration was making no comment on how Buffalo's leave of absence will affect the operations of the band.

The Hobbema RCMP report that the situation has continued to be peaceful and see no reason why that should change.

Cst. Jack Poitras said the police will continue to monitor the situation, but recognize that it is a band matter.

Police members attended some of the bingo hall meetings and reported no incidents.

"We are basically remaining neutral," said Poitras.

Indian Affairs has a hands-off role in the situation.

The Samson reserve handles its election issues, including leaves of absence, at a community level, without the input of Indian Affairs.