M’CHIGEENG—While M’Chigeeng First Nation council has called for a general election in 2026, the former chief says the band council still needs to deal with a court hearing he brought forward after being dismissed by council.
“With the new developments of council calling for a general election in M’Chigeeng, basically my term as chief is done,” said former Gimaa Morgen Hare last week. “They (council) had been looking at trying to hold a by-election in October but have announced they want to hold a general election. No, I wasn’t expecting this to take place.”
In a notice to M’Chigeeng First Nation members on September 18, council in a statement wrote, “the council of M’Chigeeng First Nation (MFN) is committed to transparency and accountability, and we continue to follow our custom election code.”
“While the current council’s term ends on September 2, 2026, we think it is best for the MFN membership to decide on a new chief and council to serve you in an early general election. Thus, as is the responsibility of the remaining council, a full general election has been called to take place by April 4, 2026 to elect one chief, 10 councillors.”
The statement adds, “Further details about the election process and dates will be shared with members as we move forward.”
Former Gimaa Hare said, “the issue of the dismissal of myself as chief has not been resolved.” He noted the court is looking at a date for a hearing in late October or early November.
The appeal application brought forward by former Gimaa Hare is going to federal court to have the decision reviewed as to whether it was unlawful.
