Samson Cree Nation elects new chief

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A heated campaign for leadership of the Samson Cree Nation has resulted in a winner.

Terry Buffalo narrowly defeated former chief and councillor Frank Buffalo with 182 votes to 175 at the May 3 election. Incumbent chief Victor Buffalo received 159 votes in the election that saw eight candidates vie for the position of chief.

Arrol Crier and Jim Orneasoo took 90 votes each, George Saddleback 74 votes, and Lester Nepoose 67 votes, and John Nepoose 60 votes.

Incoming chief Terry Buffalo, 38, promised an open government, including an open-book policy on band finances. Large issues will warrant referendums before being passed by chief and council, he said.

The small voter turnout on the 4,000 member band was a surprise, considering band protests over the outgoing chief's decision to approve building a federal prison on Samson land.

Discord over the planned construction formed a major part of the campaign. Buffalo approved the $8 million government project but the issue never came before the band and council.

Band members circulated a petition against the prison, signed by 535 people, or roughly a third of Samson's eligible voters. They expressed anger over the lack of guarantees inmates and staff at the proposed penitentiary will be Native.

Council voted 10 to zero against the project on April 16.

New band councillors will be elected on May 19.