Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Faces Election Controversy Over Results

Disputes have emerged following the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s recent election, where results declaring Jennifer Bone as the new chief have been labeled “illegal” by her opponent, Vince Tacan. The electoral officer, Burke Ratté, has also rejected the unofficial results, claiming the counting process was conducted without his authorization.

On March 16, 2024, Bone posted election results on social media, indicating she received 371 votes, compared to Tacan’s 212 votes. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs subsequently congratulated Bone, affirming her as the newly elected chief. Bone also announced the election of council members, including Jon Bell (235 votes) and Randall Wasicuna (336 votes), among others.

Ratté, who was appointed by the council and Tacan during his term as chief, raised concerns about the legitimacy of the vote count. He stated that members of the community entered the governance hall on March 15, without his consent, to tally ballots, which he claimed may have excluded vital mail-in and online votes.

“I have the legal responsibility as electoral officer to conduct the count and sign off on the results,” Ratté remarked, emphasizing the need for proper supervision over the counting process. He expressed his inability to validate the results due to potential tampering and criticized the community’s intervention in the counting process, questioning, “Would it be acceptable for citizens in Brandon to enter a polling station, intimidate staff, take possession of ballot boxes and conduct their own count?”

Bone countered Ratté’s claims about safety, asserting that a significant security presence was in place, including the RCMP and a private security firm. She indicated that Ratté had refused assistance from the RCMP, which had offered to stay during the count. Following his departure, community elders convened, appointed another electoral officer, and proceeded with the ballot count in accordance with the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s laws.

According to Bone, Ratté received a letter from the elders before the vote count commenced, notifying him of a “breach of contract” due to his departure from his duties. The letter, which Bone shared with local media, stated that Ratté’s action led to the termination of his contract.

As for the issue of mail-in votes, Bone explained that those ballots were in Ratté’s possession when he left and thus should be considered void. She emphasized that there was no option for electronic voting during this election.

Tacan has called for an investigation by Indigenous Services Canada, describing the election process as “illegal.” He expressed concern over the counting methods and indicated that residents have reported instances of spoiled ballots visible in the livestream of the count.

In response to these allegations, Bone maintained that the election was decisive. She reached out to Indigenous Services Canada for support, but was informed that the department would not intervene, as the situation is a matter for the community to resolve. A spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada clarified that the department’s role is limited to situations where a First Nation requests a leadership update or if the matter escalates to court.

“The Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s leadership is determined through a custom electoral system, rather than by the election rules contained in the Indian Act,” the spokesperson stated. Disputes under custom election codes can be resolved through internal processes or through legal channels.

As the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation navigates this contentious situation, both sides appear firm in their stance, leaving the community at a crossroads regarding its leadership.