LLRIB found success in 2019: Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

The LLRIB has also been able to move ahead with a new Election Act. It was put to a vote by band members during Treaty Days and Cook-Searson said more than 70 per cent voted in favour of it. It includes the creation of an election tribunal, an appeals process and more polling stations. It also brings in restrictions for candidates like having no criminal record, being debt free to the band and residency rules.

“The tribunal has already been meeting and getting ready for the election,” she said. “They will have to set the election date, when nominations will be and advanced polls. With the band elections, we always have a way higher turnout than we do for the provincial or federal elections.”

A new land code, which has been two years in the works, is also expected to be approved by the federal government in February. It drops several sections of the Indian Act and the LLRIB was the 92^nd First Nation in Canada to join the agreement.

Cook-Searson said work also continues on the ‘cows and plough’ agricultural benefit. She doesn’t expect compensation to come this fiscal year, but added a claim has been filed with the federal government.

“There are people out there who think we have already received it, but we haven’t,” Cook-Searson said. “We’re not even at the negotiating table.”

In 2020, the LLRIB will continue on strategic plans corresponding to feedback received from band members. Those priorities include an enhanced presence of Woodland Cree culture and language, increased well-being of all members, improvements to existing housing conditions, an increase in new houses, and more educational and life skills programming.

On behalf of the LLRIB, Cook-Searson would also like wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

“I wish everyone the very best in 2020. The year has gone by fast and I’m grateful for all the support we received,” she said. “I also want to think about those who are grieving. There are people who are struggling and grieving the loss of loved ones. We think about them too, and they are in our thoughts and prayers.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

LLRIB found success in 2019: Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

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