The suit against the Blueberry River First Nations Band Council has wrapped up in Federal Court in Vancouver.
The Apsassin family and elders group initiated the suit over concerns about how the nation is being governed, and what they say is a lack of transparency.
The judge in the case will render her decision at a later date. The judge addressed the elders saying, she knows they have been waiting a while for this case to be heard. The judge promised that a decision would be rendered in a timely fashion.
Earlier this week, written submissions were read in court. Councillor Shelley Gauthier testified, that she did not inform the Apsassin family that she represents, about the investigation into the removal of Chief Judy Desjarlais. Gauthier is also being accused of not following proper bylaws.
The Apsassin family would like Gauthier ‘held accountable’ for her actions, but didn’t state what in particular they would like to see happen.
In January of this year, Clarence and Joe Apsassin filed a motion calling for a judicial review of the band’s council.
The motion, supported by a statement of facts filed by the Edward Apsassin family and Elders group, was obtained by CJDC-TV.
The statement called for a review of the decision-making process, alleging a “flagrant disregard” for the nation’s laws and customs.
The band council said that they will be issuing a statement on the case once a decision is delivered.
There is another suit filed in court of a faulty investigation looking into Desjarlais and her removal as chief.