Strong contenders to lead FSIN

After serving more than a year as Acting Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Morley Watson is trying to remove “acting” from the title.

Watson, who had held the position of First Vice-Chief, became Acting Chief in September 2011 when Chief Guy Lonechild stepped down embroiled in a sea of controversy.

Challenging Watson for the top position of the FSIN are Perry Bellegarde, Chief of Little Black Bear, former FSIN Chief, and National Chief contender for the Assembly of First Nations, and Delbert Wapass, Chief of the Thunderchild First Nation and former FSIN Vice Chief.

FSIN members will also vote for First Vice-Chief with Kimberly Jonathan, of Wahpeton First Nation, and Sheldon Wuttunee, of Red Pheasant First Nation, the candidates.

Incumbent Edward (Dutch) Lerat will be acclaimed in his position of Third Vice- Chief.

The offices of second and fourth vice-chief are not up for election.

Second Vice-Chief Bobby Cameron will assume the duties of Acting Chief for the campaign period.

Simon Bird is the Fourth Vice-Chief.

The FSIN election assembly will take place Oct. 24 and 25 in Saskatoon.

UPDATE:

FSIN Unofficial Election Results
Office of the Chief

Perry Bellegarde - 488
Delbert Wapass - 240
Morley Watson - 182

Office of the First Vice Chief

Kimberly Jonathon - 457
Sheldon Wuttunee - 448

Office of the Third Vice Chief

Edward (Dutch) Lerat - Acclaimed