Bernd Christmas drawn by Membertou's new four-year election term

The former chief executive officer of Membertou First Nation in Cape Bretonhas been lured back to the community and into band elections by the introduction offour-year council terms.

Bernd Christmas was widely credited as the driving force behind the tremendous economic growth of Membertou in the last 15 years.He resigned in 2006 after 11 years on the job.

• Christmas resigns as Membertou CEO

In the intervening years, Christmas, the first Mi'kmaqpersonto earn a law degree, worked as a negotiator andwith law firmslooking to expand their Indigenous practices.

He told CBC's Mainstreet Cape Breton that while he's worked across the country, he's maintained ties with home. He intends to run for a council position in the June 15 election.

Being a politician instead of an administrator would give him an opportunity set future policyfor Membertou, he said.

"I haven't, in my mind, left," he explained, "and I'm always looking out for the best interests of my community, my extended family and I just want to keep making Membertou stronger, make the region stronger and improve the lives of my people."

'Breathing room'

Membertou has adopted the federal First Nations Elections Act, which includes a move from two-year to four-year terms. Christmas said four years givescouncil a chance to get things done.

"To be honest, the two-year term did not work. I think it's been a hamstring issuefor First Nations, including Membertou," Christmas said.

"What happens is, after the elections, the chief or the councillors, they're getting set for the next election, the next cycle, which is about a year later."

A four-year term will give elected officials "a little more breathing room to really think deeply about what's in the best interest of Membertou to move forward," he said.

Christmas is one of 36 candidates vying for 12 council seats. Longtime chief Terry Paul faces two challengers.