Manitoba First Nation mired in leadership dispute

Roseau River First Nation Chief Terry Nelson insists he is still in charge of the band despite a Federal Court ruling this week that upheld a resolution from a community group demanding his removal.

The group, called the Custom Council, is made up of 18people who claim to representa majority of the 800 residents on the reserve,about 80 kilometres south of Winnipeg.

It took Nelson and the other band councillors to court in 2007 on allegations of misspending of the community's finances. In the ruling, finally released this week, the federal judge determined the Custom Council has jurisdiction to order out Nelson. The ruling also stated that Nelson acted with "rogue behaviour" in governing the band.

That has prompted band member Felix Antoine to declare himself chief. He was chief of the community several years ago.

But Nelson said he has the support of the people of Roseau River. He noted that the Custom Council filed its complaint against him two years ago and things have apparently changed. In May 2009, there was another band election and Nelson was re-elected with an overwhelming majority.

"[Antoine] ran in the May 22 vote and he came in dead last," Nelson noted. "I think the judge didn't seem to understand who was actually telling the truth in the court [in 2007]. And 'rogue behaviour?' Certainly the people in the community don't see it that way."

The Mayelection wasordered by the federal government aftera votein Marchin whichNelson and Antoine both claimed victory as chief.

Nelson said he has no intention of leaving his job at least not yet. He has declared his candidacy for next month's election to replace Phil Fontaine as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Nelson chided for handling of flood

Nelson was also criticized by members of his band during the Red River flooding this spring, when hundreds of residents from Roseau River First Nation were ordered to evacuate the community. They were set up in hotels in Winnipeg and provided a meager per diem of $35, but that hardly covered their needs for basic things like diapers and milk, a spokesperson for the residents said at the time.

Meanwhile, Nelson was in and out of the province, travelling in Canada and the United States, including Toronto, Minnesota and Florida.

Asked by reporters why he was travelling around while his community was in danger of flooding and residents were feeling like they weren't being properly supported, Nelson said, ""Well, what do you want me to do? Sandbag?"

He said the federal Department of Indian Affairs, not the Roseau River band and council, is responsible for paying for what residents need.