Twinn's involvement requested

Page 5

Chief Walter and Catherine Twinn's visit to the reserve of Fox Lake, without the involvement of the Little Red River Band's Chief Johnson Sewepagaham, was the result of a request from the people of Fox Lake, "because they are quite desperate," said lawyer Catherine Twinn.

On November 4, the Twinns flew into Fox Lake, approximately 130 km north of Fort Vermilion, in what was described as an emergency meeting. The meeting called by residents of Fox Lake, with signed petition and a Band Council Resolution (BCR), stated that they want to split away from the two other reserves of the Little Red River Band, John D'Or Prairie and Garden River.

Twinn says that the schools were closed down and there was no health services to these people near or after the time of the November 4 meeting, and that it sounds like a red herring to her. "It looks like something is going on."

Twinn believes that the people at Fox Lake are better off managing their own affairs. She further said that Chief alter Twinn was asked by the people at Fox Lake

who want to split from the rest of the Little Red River Band, to attend their meeting.

Details as to why he was asked are not available and it was only mentioned by Catherine Twinn that the people who asked them to come to the meeting are clients of hers.

It was established that 450 people signed the petition to split, but according to a press release made available by Chief Johnson Sewepagaham, their calculations show approximately 385 people residing at Fox Lake, with 66 of this figure being a counter group, against the petition.

"I don't even know if the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs know the reserve number of people," commented Twinn.

Although Twinn says the BCR was passed by six councillors, she was under the impression that Chief Sewepagaham was aware of the meeting and that he may have chosen not to attend.

"My clients want to meet with Chief and Council," said Twinn, stating the same feelings that Chief Sewepagaham said in an interview with Windspeaker.

It is hoped by Chief Sewepagaham to hold meetings on the last week of November. It is also his hope to have Chief Walter Twinn attend the meetings.