Stoney Nation takes steps to get affairs into order

The return to power of Darcy Dixon to chief of the Bearspaw First Nation is one more change in a long line of controversy surrounding the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
In an election forced by a federal court judge, Dixon defeated incumbent David Bearspaw by a vote of 327 to 222 in an 80 per cent voters’ turnout at the polls Aug. 9. All four sitting councillors also lost.

Dixon served in the position for a decade before Bearspaw took over in 2008. Bearspaw’s attempt to push his term to 2012, adding two years to the regular term, was overruled by federal court Justice Richard Mosley on June 22. The ruling came about when a group of residents in Eden Valley challenged Bearspaw. The group claimed that the move was undemocratic. While the Chiniki and Wesley, the other two bands which form the Stoney Nation, were successful in extending their terms, they made the move prior to holding an election which validated the extensions.

“David recognizes tribal customs and that the Elders are there to advise and lead,” said Philomene Stevens, chair of the Bearspaw Elders Advisory Committee. The committee had advised Bearspaw to take the term extension. Bearspaw carried out a survey of his band membership. Stoney Tribal administration lawyer Doug Rae advised Bearspaw on the survey questions.
Mosley directed Bearspaw to hold an election within 60 days of the ruling. Bearspaw applied for a stay of Mosley’s decision so that he and his council could be reinstated. The stay was denied.

Also seeking the position of chief was Randy Baptiste, while 18 Morley candidates ran for two council positions, while eight candidates sought election for the two Eden Valley council positions.

Dixon now joins a co-management team for the Stoney Tribal Council. On July 23, an agreement was signed with Meyers Norris Penny in a move to address concerns voiced by the federal government.

“In order to address (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s) concerns and move forward with the funding, Stoney Tribal Council has requested a Co-Manager to provide certain services in connection with the administration and management of the funding under the CFA,” stated a communication to the community.

The agreement allows monies to be accessed from the Heritage Trust Fund. In March, Chief Wesley of the Wesley band refused to sign the Band Council Resolution to allow funds to flow from the government to the Stoney Nation, resulting in possible layoffs.

“The issue of contention is the money that is being drawn from the Heritage Trust Fund for operational shortfalls to cover the annual deficit. The Wesley band also has concerns about management and uncertainty about where funds are going,” said Hopeton Louden, CEO for the Wesley Band.

The Stoney Nation receives $32 million annually in essential services funding and $29.5 million from the Nation’s Heritage Trust Fund, held in trust by the government, said Glenn Luff, spokesman for AANAC, Alberta region.

The Stoney communications further stated, “The Agreement builds upon the Comprehensive Funding Arrangement (CFA) with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (formerly INAC) to transfer funds from AANDC to the Stoney Tribal Council for the provision of programs and services to the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations.”

“Possible layoffs which were provoked by the dispute were avoided when quorum was received for release of the trust funds,” said Luff.

Normally governance of the Stoney Nation is determined by Tribal Council, comprised of three chiefs and 12 councillors. Typically, nine signatures, including two chiefs, are required for quorum on band council resolutions. Bearspaw was without representation and so did not participate in the signing.

Lisa Wynands, long standing manager of financial administration, was recently appointed acting chief financial officer in order to work with Meyers Norris Penny.