Former chief seeking top spot on LLRIB council

McKenzie would also like to see the creation of a LLRIB legislative assembly to create laws and take over authority in certain areas from the provincial and federal governments like child and family services, education, lands and resources, and membership. He said it would be a third order of government protected by the Canadian Constitution.

“A legislative assembly would involve members coming from all band members whether on reserve or off,” McKenzie said.

If elected chief, McKenzie mentioned he would immediately call a meeting of council to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. He said it would be a top priority and treated as an emergency. McKenzie expects many households would be self-isolated and a food hamper program would be created to assist with families in that state.

McKenzie would also like to continue work on the Treaty agricultural benefits also known as Cows and Plows.

“We have an application in with the federal government and it will take another year-and-a-half to two years to see if they will accept it for negotiation or reject it,” he said. “It will be a difficult process to work through that claim.”

Until the election, McKenzie will be travelling to all LLRIB communities and urban areas to listen to the concerns of residents. He said he already has small teams of people working in the communities for him.

McKenzie holds a Bachelor of Education degree, as well as several certificates in areas such as advanced management.

Other candidates seeking the three-year term as chief are Tammy Cook-Searson, Natalie Aldridge, Bruce Mckenzie, Eugene Mirasty and Jude Ratt. Election day is March 30 with polls open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., but officials could change the date due to COVID-19.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Former chief seeking top spot on LLRIB council

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