Chief Dean Sayers looking ahead to new term
Batchewana First Nation is giving its long-time leader another mandate. Dean Sayers will serve another term as chief after defeating two challengers by a wide margin in the latest band council elections.
Chief Sayers brought in 424 votes, beating his nearest challenger by 230 votes. He says there are many issues he's looking to address in his new term, including some ongoing, national-level challenges.
"What's prominent in my mind is the relationship with the Crown," says Sayers. "We really need to revisit and create a strategic plan on how we're going to have the relationship realigned with the Crown so that it's more reflective of the original spirit and intent."
Sayers adds the $4 per year annuity issue, which has been in and out of the courts, is something else he's looking for resolution on.
"We've got a number of court decisions that tell Canada and Ontario to pay the rent," says Sayers. "We have these tables set, ready to have productivity and neither Canada nor Ontario have sent anybody to that table with any mandate to negotiate or resolve."
Sayers was first elected chief in 2006, and as of right now, he has no plans to seek a higher office.
"Who I am as an Anishinabek from Baawaating kind of defines that," he says. "If there's some kind of a turn on the trail ahead, I'm open to those kinds of considerations. And I'll let our ancestors and the spirits help in that determination."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.