New chief elected at Sucker Creek

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Building community unity towards a better economic future is the top priority for the new Sucker Creek tribal council, says recently elected Chief Donald Calliou.

Calliou was elected chief, along with eight council members for the 910 member band, located 35 km east of High Prairie.

"I have noticed that for a number of years now, our people have been drifting apart. The council will work really hard to pull the community together," said Calliou.

Keeping the band membership informed on band services and economic opportunities, negotiating for more land and tapping into jobs ? these are other items the council will look into, added Calliou.

"There are no oil and gas revenues coming into Sucker Creek and band programs are our biggest employer. Many member are leaving the reserve to look for work and seek improvements to their lives," said Calliou.

Calliou is joined on band council by incumbents: Fred Willier, Laverne Willier, Francis A. Willier and new councillors Ken Cardinal, Henry Calliou, Arthur Calliou, Roderick Willier and Steve Willier.

Out of 170 eligible voters, 138 electors voted the present council to replace former chief James Badger and council, following Indian Act election rules.

Other band elections, held recently in the province, saw the Fort Chipewyan band elect Chief Pat Marcel and councillors Archie Cyprean, Pat Lepine and Charles Voyageur, on Dec. 9, 1987.

The Saddle Lake First Nations elected Chief Eugene Steinhauer and councillors Henry Paul Cardinal, George Bretton, Wildred Large, Floyd Steinhauer, Gordon Steinhauer, Mike Steinhauer, Barry Wood and Henry Quinney, on Oct. 8, 1987.

The Sturgeon Lake band, elected Chief Ronald Sunshine and councillors Alfred Dolan Goodswimmer, Mildred Chowace, Arnold McLean, Felix Stoney, Pete Joyce, Lester Chowace, Richard Cappo, Edward Goodswimmer and Adolf Cappo, in Sept. 1987.

The Goodfish (Whitefish) Lake band elected Chief Ernest Houle, along with councillors Joe Cardinal, Miles Hunter and Velma Memnook, on Oct. 6, 1987.