Three closely watched community elections are drawing a lot of speculation.
All eyes are on Waskaganish, where the word is Chief Billy Diamond is not running this time. Is he bowing out to run for Grand Chief or Deputy Grand Chief? That’s the rumour in band offices up and down the coast. And who will take over the band, with its run-away deficit? Robert Weistche, chairman of the Cree School Board, and Jack Diamond of the Cree Regional Authority are two of the possible candidates people are talking about.
In Waswanipi, embattled Chief John Kitchen may be facing a wide field of opponents, including possibly his own wife, Flora Kitchen. Last time, Kitchen’s two opponents split the votes allowing him to squeeze up the middle. Will it happen again? Nominations open in Waswanipi Aug. 9.
In Wemindji, election time is always an exciting time, spiced up by allegations of irregularities and other weirdness. This year, like last time, someone from the Cree-Naskapi Commission will be present to make sure everything’s done by the book.
Nominations are on Aug. 16, with an advance poll Aug. 24 and election day Sept. 14. That leaves a whole month for speeches and promises of jobs. Will long-time Chief Walter Hughboy beat down his critics once again?
