The Blueberry River First Nations have announced plans to launch of an investigation into a petition filed against Councillor Shelley Gauthier.
The update follows months-long efforts by some members to remove the family councillor from her position.
According to a member statement issued Monday, during a council meeting on March 6th a group from the late Edward Apsassin family presented a petition against Gauthier.
The petition accuses her of ignoring “directives” and failing to provide transparency on resolutions signed for the family.
However, another letter from the same family argued that the petitioners do not represent the majority view.
“The petitioners have now completed the first step in the process for removing a Family Councillor, Council is now taking the next steps to properly investigate this claim further, as required under our Election Code,” reads the statement.
An independent investigator with no previous associations to the band will be hired to assess the merit of the petition and compile a report if necessary.
The council has stated that the process will take time, but updates will be provided at official meetings and through public statements.
“It is essential that this process is done properly and impartially in accordance with our laws,” the statement adds.