Bearspaw First Nation voters had their say in the band’s election, Aug. 9.
Darcy Dixon will replace former Chief David Bearspaw, who was ousted following a federal court ruling when he failed to call an election last fall.
Residents also voted to replace all four former councillors from a field of 26 candidates.
The new council will include Rod Hunter, Farrel Holloway, Keith Lefthand and Rex Daniels.
Chief Electoral Officer Marvin Yellow Horn said voter turnout was high, with about 80 per cent of the population turning out.
“People were wanting to have that opportunity to exercise their vote,” said Yellow Horn.
“There was a lot of anticipation.”
Dixon received 327 votes, beating out Bearspaw by more than 100 votes.
Yellow Horn said band members were upset about being unable to vote after the chief and council renewed their terms of office without holding an election last October.
That decision was overturned after several band members hired a lawyer and a federal judge ordered a vote.
A recent appeal by Bearspaw to overturn the decision was unsuccessful.
“People anticipate voting every two years,” said Yellow Horn.
“(That’s why) people in the community were upset about the vote.”
The Bearspaw band is one of three that make up the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
The others include the Chiniki and Wesley bands.
