Blood Council denied stay of proceeding

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An appeal the Blood Tribal Council for a stay of proceedings on four charges of contempt of court has been denied the Federal Court in Calgary.

The charges rise from the ongoing dispute on the reserve between Chief Harley Frank and the tribal council. The council was charged after blocking Frank's attempts to conduct band business, and for the illegal election of former chief Roy Fox.

Frank was illegally ousted the council this spring. Peter Levesque, lawyer for Chief Frank, said the case will be heard on Nov. 4.

The stalemate between the Chief and Council has led to strife between reserve members, as well as causing emotional and financial hardship for the Frank family. Since Fox's election, Frank has been taken off the council payroll. Frank's wife Lois has been selling home made jams and buns to help support the family while council refuses to co-sign her husband's cheque.

Levesque says that refusal also goes against the federal court injunction and is one of the bases for the contempt charges.

Meanwhile, support for the beleaguered Frank is spilling out of reserve territory. An Honor Dance was held in Gleichen, Aug. 28, the Running Rabbit, Door, Duckchief, and McMaster families. Alberta Premier Ralph Klein attended the dance, along with members of the Siksika Nation Council. However, a council representative said the ceremony had no political overtones.