First Nation in B.C. ousts chief over development dispute [Video]

A First Nation in northeastern B.C. has removed its chief, alleging she approved industrial development near an important cultural site without telling the rest of the elected council.

Four of the five band councillors for the Blueberry River First Nations voted to remove Judy Desjarlais as chief in a  Sept. 17 meeting. The fifth councillor abstained.

But Desjarlais says she did nothing wrong, and is planning to challenge her removal in court.

The decision to oust Desjarlais stemmed from an independent investigation commissioned by council that found she had allegedly granted the oil and gas company Petronas five permit approvals on its traditional lands, north of Fort St. John in B.C.’s energy rich Peace Region, without consulting the rest of council.

“We have to uphold the integrity of our nation and reaffirm that our bylaws apply to all members and this process is a demonstration of our commitment to fairness, …