Abegweit First Nation band election to be held in April

AbegweitFirst Nation will hold itsband electionin April 2019 instead ofMay, when it was originally scheduled.

Band election rules state if the office of the chief or band councillor becomes vacantmore than six months before the next election, abyelectionshould be held.

But instead of holding abyelection, the band has decided to move the election up one month.

Former Chief Brian Francis resigned after he was named a senator on Oct. 11. He had served as chief for 12 years.

An open letter posted to the First Nation's website said the remaining council members will continue to serve and shareleadership and accountability responsibilities normally overseen by the chief.

JeneneWooldridge, the First Nation's director of operations,willbe the acting band administrator until the election.

"Our community has accomplished so much over the last decade and we know we are just getting started. Change is difficult but we hope this clarity on the plan for the next few months is helpful," said councillors JakeJadisand DarenKnockwoodin theletter.

"Band operations and business will continue as usual."

More P.E.I. news