Lennox Island First Nation holds election Saturday

The race for chief on Lennox Island has turned into a sprintas the band's 695 voters head to the polls Saturday.

Incumbent chief MatildaRamjattan is being challenged by band members StevieBernard and Tim Bernard.

• Lennox Island band prepares for election
• Lennox Island First Nation holds elections

In addition to the three-way contest for chief, 10 candidates are vying for the two on-reserve council seats. Three people are seeking the off-reserve council position.

MatildaRamjattan

"It's a positive thing that more and more people are putting their name forward," said Ramjattan. "It shows people are interested in the community."

Ramjattanis in her inaugural three-year term as chief. As she seeks re-election, she's asking voters for a renewed mandate to complete projects on the go.

"We have blueberry fields coming into production. We want to work on housing for our elders. We want the fish plant on the reserve bemore successful," she said.

StevieBernard

StevieBernard's campaign for chief includes an emphasis on youth, seniors, and what he calls "fairness" in band management.

Bernard is a volunteer fire fighter and employee of the band's health centre.

"Our seniors need more help with their heat and utility bills in winter," Bernard said.

"Our young people need more to do, more opportunities andmore jobs. As chief, I want to make sure everyone is treated fairly."

Tim Bernard

Fisheries officer Tim Bernard is focusing on economic development and management of band affairs in his campaign for chief.

"I have spenthours with people in their homeduring this campaign," said Tim Bernard.

"People are telling me it's time for change."

Saturday vote

About 90 Lennox Island band members voted in an advance polling June 3 at the Murphy Centrein Charlottetown.

Saturday's vote will be held in the gynmasium of John J. Sark Memorial School on Lennox Island.

The candidates for on-reserve band council member are RobertAugustine, JanetBanks, DebbieBernard, EmilyBernard, JimmyBernard, AngusCoutts, PatsyGavin, RichardGuimond, Gerry Thomas and Randy Thomas.

KentMatthews, MaryMoor-Phillips and Andrew Sarkare running for off-reserve band council member.