A by-election held by the Yekooche First Nation has elected Partner Schielke as the official elected chief after extensive controversy.
While an election was held Sept. 28 of last year electing Henry Joseph as chief and Angelica Rose Joseph, Mathew Joseph and Mitchell Joseph as councillors. Chief Henry Joseph was subsequently recalled after allegations of possible vote buying, but the initial recall was unsuccessful. On the opposing side, Henry Joseph, after taking office had dismissed many band employees alleging corruption and financial mismanagement.
A second recall then resulted in a by-election which subsequently took place on Feb. 16 of this year, with Allan Joseph and Partner Schielke as candidates.
Schielke won the by-election and has now officially taken position as the chief and will hold the office until Jan. 11, 2014. The three elected councillors retained their seats and their terms runs until Jan.12, 2014.