The Rainy River First Nations has a new chief at the helm for the next two years after incumbent Gary Medicine was defeated in band elections Oct. 14.
Albert Hunter, who finished ahead of Medicine and two other contenders, said one of his first priorities will be to see the ongoing land claim to a successful conclusion as soon as the new government at Queen’s Park is established.
“We intend to set up discussions as soon as possible,” Chief Hunter said last week. “Obviously it’s going to take a few weeks before the new government is ready to talk.”
The Rainy River land claim has be in progress for more than nine years and was near a final resolution when the previous Ernie Eves government called an election in September.
Chief Hunter is well acquainted with the claim and said he hopes to see it through in the near future.
As the band’s claim liaison to the provincial and federal governments during the previous administration, it was his responsibility to keep the chief and the band council informed of the state of negotiations.
“Now I guess I’ll be talking to myself,” Chief Hunter quipped.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
