FSIN says allegations are false, elections to continue

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) says it will go ahead with the organization’s elections despite calls from within to postpone it.

A number of candidate hopefuls claimed they were arbitrarily left off the ballot for the October 28th vote, alleging political interference resulted in them being wrongfully disqualified.

The FSIN addressed the allegations in a news release on Tuesday afternoon.

“Baseless allegations against the FSIN, the FSIN Credentials Committee, and the electoral officials have recently surfaced in the media by a few candidates that were deemed ineligible to run in the upcoming election. Those issues were further exacerbated by members of the FSIN Senate.  The actions of these candidates and those members of the Senate is an attempt to subvert the resolutions and legislation of the FSIN Chiefs-in-Assembly,” the release stated.

According to the FSIN, 13 candidates are vying for the organization’s five executive positions: chief, first vice chief, second vice chief, third vice chief and fourth vice chief. Bobby Cameron will be up against former FSIN Vice-Chief Robert Merasty for the position of chief.

The organization stated the candidates were all approved by the FSIN Credentials Committee. The credentials committee was selected and appointed in accordance with the organization’s election act.

“Allegations that the credentials committee made any of its decisions in contravention of the election act, or under undue influence, are completely unfounded.”

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety measures have been put in place for the protection of our communities, including online voting and having polling stations set up at various locations across the province.