First Nation takes control over defining its own band membership
M’CHIGEENG – Members of the M’Chigeeng First Nation voted overwhelmingly to accept a new custom membership code in a July 20 referendum.
According to a statement of the votes, the M’Chigeeng Anishinaabek Belonging Law 2019 passed by a ‘yes’ vote of 133 against a ‘no’ vote of 54. There were four rejected ballots for yes and one rejected ballot for no.
According to a statement of the vote released by the electoral officer, Peggy Manitowabi, the formula for 50 percent plus one threshold of electors who cast their vote was met and the July 20 referendum was valid in accordance with the M’Chigeeng First Nation Election Code 2005 and the band’s referendum procedures.
The final count was 182 ballots cast and 50 percent plus one would be 92. Since 133 ballots were cast in favour of the law, the M’Chigeeng Anishinaabek Belonging Law 2019 has therefore been approved.
Ogimaa Linda Debassige was unavailable for comment as of press time Monday.
