Opponents of the ruling council on Mosquito First Nation are calling for an investigation into alleged corruption during the reserve's recent election.
During the April vote, Noel Stone Jr., an incumbent member of council and protégé of incumbent Chief Clarence Stone, won the race to become the new xhief over four other contenders. In this year's vote he won convincingly, defeating second-place candidate Charles Stone by a wide margin. Charles Stone was one of the candidates running on a platform to clean up the reserve.
The outgoing xhief, Clarence Stone, is one of three individuals still facing charges in a widespread Treaty Land Entitlement fraud case where it is alleged the individuals misspent money set aside for land purchases on the reserve. The preliminary hearing is set to begin May 30 in North Battleford provincial court.
Opponents of the incumbent council are now alleging widespread vote-buying during the campaign and numerous election irregularities, including during the vote count itself.
The News-Optimist has learned the opponents have stepped up their calls for an investigation into the election over the past number of days. The opponents have set a "grassroots" public meeting for the reserve for May 22 where they have invited officials from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to hear their grievances. Among their numerous complaints is the dilapidated state of housing on the reserve and lack of money put into repairs.
