Kehewin meeting ends in stalemate

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Ousted Kehewin chief Gordon Gadwa says he's prepared to resign to make way for an all-council re-election to resolve the five week old leadership dispute that has split the Kehewin band in this

northern Alberta community.

The 44 year old chief, who had ruled the reserve for 10 years until Aug. 17 when he was ousted by six of eight band council members, made his remarks during a break in a day long meeting held

Sept. 21 between two opposing factions on the reserve.

But Gadwa said his resignation hinged on a major condition. "I'll resign if the council also resigns so we can have a full election and give the people a chance to pick their leaders," he said.

The new council, including acting chief Gloria Badger was unavailable for comment. However, council member Gary Youngchief indicated the council would make a prepared statement

addressing all issues this week.

Gadwa claims he has the support of over half of the 409 eligible voters to call an election. A resolution drawn up Sept. 13 during a general band meeting was taken door to door. In two days,

over half the eligible voters in the band signed the document.

However, Indian Affairs officials, have indicated that Gadwa's plan also wouldn't resolve the situation since there is no mechanism under the Indian Act to carry out Gadwa's plans.

The council, with a quorum of five, changed the locks on the door after taking over Aug. 17 preventing Gadwa from continuing as chief.

The Sept. 21 meeting allowed members to voice heir concerns and feelings ran high. Opposing factions traded insults and accusations as Bonnyville RCMP, called in to ensure peace, looked on.

By mid-day, no resolution to the main outstanding issues were in sight, but all parties agreed on one point -- the federal department of Indian Affairs must mediate.

A meeting will be set up with Elizbeth Turbayne, DIAND regional director, as soon as possible, either on or off the reserve, to hasten the end of the dispute.

Federal minister of Indian Affairs, Pierre Cadiux, will be in Alberta next week, and councillors say if no satisfactory deal can be hammered out on the reserve, they'll take their concerns directly to

him.

Gadwa was ousted when six of eight councillors voted him out of office alleging financial mismanagement of band funds as one of their primary reasons.

Band auditors Schappert & Schappert of Bonnyville and the department of Indian Affairs audit control officials both say there is no evidence of any wrongdoing.

During last Thursday's meeting, Gadwa produced a letter from the Department congratulating the band in being the first reserve in Canada to have their 1989 audit completed and in order.

The new council said it would only consider resigning once an audit was done on all reserve businesses, none of which are supported by band funds.

They include a new hydroponics plant and a sawmill, both opened this year, plus a weaving factory and a store with gas pumps.

Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) officials say they still recognize Gadwa as chief since the move to oust him by vote was illegal under the Indian Act and there is nothing in

DIAND's mandate to allow councils' non-confidence vote.

The new council and its supporters, however, disagree saying Gadwa mislead the band during his reign when he allegedly told them band elections came under tribal custom.