FORT ST. JOHN -- The governing body of the Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) is denouncing claims made by some Elders that Shelley Gauthier no longer sits as councillor.
On Friday, CJDC-TV reported that Gauthier will no longer serve as family councillor for the late Edward Apsassin family. However, in a statement, the First Nation confirms Gauthier has not been removed, citing that no formal application under Blueberry’s Custom Election Code was submitted to council.
“Councillor Gauthier remains the Council representative for the Edward Apsassin Family,” read the statement, that also alleges a small group of members are providing false information to news outlets.
CJDC-TV was given a notarized letter showing that Elders representing the Apsassin family were in line with Section #184 of the Band's bylaw, which permits the removal of a councillor by a family group if they lose confidence in their representative.
“We are removing you as Family Councillor and will be initiating a by-election process," read the letter, that also claims Gauthier ignored the family's direction and that enough support was garnered to remove her.
In rebuttal, the BRFN governing body points to sections #188 and #191 of their election code that states a report is also needed with the petition and a motion by council needs to be passed before a removal is initiated.
The code was voted in by members in 2017.
Clarence Apsassin says Gauthier received the Elders' letter, but petition documents have not yet been handed over.
Gauthier was first elected to council in 2017, and again in 2022, when she was also named Family Councillor for the Apsassin family.
The members listed a number of reasons behind the removal petition. According to documents provided by Apsassin elders, these include bylaw violations, lack of accountability and transparency, conflict of interest and divisiveness, and failure to perform duties--among other issues.
As it stands, BRFN confirm Gauthier still remains the Apsassin Family representative on council.
