Hope re-elected to chief following election delay

Chief Eugene Hope wants to create a new election code, "that everyone supports and eliminates existing legal challenges."


Photo from ADKFN Facebook page.

Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADKFN) wrapped up its election Monday evening, well almost.

Eugene Hope was re-elected as chief with 148 votes. James Duntra trailed closely behind with 145 votes and Steven Steeves received 24.

The six new councillors are:

  • Brenda Berreault with 220 votes
  • Donny Bertrand with 264 votes
  • Julia M. Capot Blanc with 242
  • Hillary Deneron with 167
  • Morris McLeod with 147
  • Dennis Nelson with 178

Hope looks forward to the next three years in this position, again.

In a press release, Hope says he wants to create a new election code “that everyone supports and eliminates existing legal challenges.”

This comes after ADKFN confirmed it will not be joining the federal government in appealing a ruling that the First Nation did not have the authority to postpone its latest band election.

The election was postponed twice and scheduled a year later than originally intended.

This year marks 100 years since the signing of Treaty 11 and the new councillors will be responsible for organizing festivities.

These results are considered preliminary until the appeal window has passed on May 6.

Appeals may be sent to Garth Wallbridge, appeals officer at garthwallbridge@gmail.com.

The new council will be sworn in on May 25.

About the Author

Mariah Caruso
Mariah Caruso is a digital journalist, originally from Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Hons. Bachelor of Arts and completed her Journalism post-grad at Sheridan College. She has an insatiable appetite for life, storytelling, connecting to the people, and getting to the heart of the issue. On her spare time, you can find her at your local coffee shop writing songs, poetry and prose or at the gym out-lifting men. If you have a story idea, feel free to send her an email at mariah.caruso@cklbradio.com or call 867-766-2552 Ext 108