Thunderchild First Nation is the latest area reserve to see its chief enmeshed in controversy.
A petition has been launched on the reserve to have Chief Delbert Wapass removed from office. According to a news release issued Sunday, 150 people have signed the petition so far.
According to opponents of the chief, several applications have been brought forward to dispute the results of the December, 2010 band election. That is currently before the courts.
The petitioners also claim no general or specific band meetings are being held to inform the band members about the band's finances, contrary to the band's rules. The opponents are also alleging breach of trust allegations against Wapass are being investigated by Aboriginal Affairs. So far, however, nothing has been proven and no charges have been laid.
The petitioners also claim Wapass broke a campaign promise that each band member would receive a $500 Christmas bonus if elected. A $100 bonus was distributed to band members instead.
Thunderchild is one of a number of area bands that has seen organized efforts by opponents to oust the sitting chief.
First Nations that have seen various efforts by opponents to oust incumbent chiefs in the past several months have included Red Pheasant, Mosquito and Poundmaker First Nation. So far, those efforts have not been successful.
However, it was a different story on Moosomin First Nation. Chief Elliot Kahpeaysewat was removed from office there recently by Aboriginal Affairs, over vote-buying allegations from their 2011 band election.
