Walter Janvier re-elected chief

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Incumbent Walter Janvier has been re-elected to a second term as chief of the Janvier Band in north-eastern Alberta. First elected in 1985, Janvier succeeded Archie Janvier and will, therefore, hold office over the next two year period.

His victory was highlighted by the fact that an unprecedented number of voters turned out to cast their ballots this year. Of 92 eligible voters, 86 voted.

With 44 votes in his favor, Janvier bested his nearest rival Fred Black (25 votes), who is a former councillor, as well as Jean Cardinal, who received 16 votes.

At present, the Janvier Band votes in accordance with the terms and conditions in the Indian act. However, Chief Janvier points out that most people are speaking favorably of returning to band custom and four-year terms before another election is held. The current terms of chief and councillors are for two-year periods.

The reason given by the chief for members wanting to convert to four-year terms is because "everybody was saying two years is too short" and does not permit sufficient time to plan, develop and implement programs for the reserve.

When contacted by "Windspeaker," Janvier listed four priority concerns that require attention - Bill C-31, oil and gas development, unemployment and alcohol and drugs.

Janvier stated that lawyer Tony Mandamin is looking into the Bill C-31 issue and "we're letting all our band members back in." Most of these people are "living off the reserve and likely wont' return," he explained, "but want their status back.

"We're not blocking anyone from returning if that's what they want," said the chief, who feels that any who may wish to re-establish residency on the reserve would be few in number.

Although the reserve is quite small, it does contain natural gas and there are six sections that could be drilled. "One well is producing," says Janvier, who mentions that they are also dialoguing with Indian Minerals, Paramount, Petro Canada and Universal Explorations.

In the area of unemployment, "there's temporary work but mostly just in winter," Janvier commented. His thinks that with all the other bands talking self-government, they wish to move in that direction as well. Self-government is viewed as one of the means to help the reserve embark on alleviating high unemployment.

Still another area is that of alcohol and drugs. Being the recipient of a new road has created quite a problem with drugs and alcohol. It is problem that Janvier wishes to work towards resolving.

"We're talking with AADAC and NNADAP," says Janvier, and "we want to get the two working together." He stresses that "we're going to be working closely with them to get a handle on the problem."

In discussing the overall situation," people want to see something (good) happen...(they) want to get involved," explains Janvier. "I think it's going to be an interesting year." He feels that the interest levels are now there and maybe even more apparent, given the high voter turn-out.

After one cancellation by those vying for the two council positions, seven remained in the race. Once the final counter was in, it was Jack Black with 38 votes, who very narrowly defeated Fred Cardinal (37 votes) although both came up winners. Contestants not elected were Marlene Janvier (25 votes), Edward Janvier (19 votes) Elsie Lemaigre (19 votes) Paul Janvier (16 votes) and Emile Janvier (14 votes.)

Fred Cardinal is a former chief (1978-9) and councillor.