Alexander election approved by government

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The Alexander band election procedures declared illegal last December have been approved by the federal government.

The band, located 25 km northwest of Edmonton, experienced problems when they moved to custom elections and failed to notify the government it would be setting up its own rules rather than following regulations governing band elections under the Indian Act.

Last month a ministerial order was issued to remove the band from under the section of the Indian Act governing band elections. With the repeal, the chief and council will be officially recognized by the Department of Indian Affairs elections will now be held under band custom.

Dennis Wallace, regional director general in Alberta said in a news release that the department will continue to work closely with the tribe and encourage it towards self-government.

"The ministerial order allows the tribe to conduct its own elections. I am confident that the tribe will move towards a more progressive and positive Indian government and that development on the reserve will continue," says Chief Allan Paul in the news release.

Reached by telephone, the Alexander chief declined to comment further.

The chief and council were elected Sept. 11.