Incumbent Chief of the Ashcroft Indian Band, Greg Blain, was re-elected for another two-year term during elections held on Nov. 15.
Blain was challenged by former Band Councillor Angie Thorne and Esther Spye.
Blain’s membership in the Band, and therefore his eligibility to remain as or run for chief, has been disputed by several Band members over the past few years and the subject of a recent court action.
The group, led by Ray Cameron, took chief and council to court for not maintaining the membership list. On May 16, a Supreme Court judge suspended the Band’s June 16 election and ordered the chief and council to correct the membership list and bring it up to date.
Band administrator Darcy Robinson says that has been done, Blain is now a legitimate member and all other lawsuits have been settled out of court.
Earl Blain and Dennis Pittman were elected to Council in the same election.
Chief
Greg Blain, 65 (elected)
Angie Thorne, 31
Esther Spye, 5
Councillor
Earl Blain, 55 (elected)
Dennis Pittman, 53 (elected)
Cynthia Hewitt, 22
Raymond Cameron, 21
Sara Boomer, 19
Glenda Wilson