Smith’s Landing First Nation says it has removed chief

Smith’s Landing First Nation councillors issued a notice to members on Friday night advising them John Tourangeau is no longer chief.

“Council made the decision to remove him from office,” reads the notice, citing the First Nation’s customary election regulations.

According to the councillors, Tourangeau had been suspended four times since becoming elected in June 2017.

“His last suspension came after he failed to meet with council, despite repeated requests and opportunities to address findings in an independent investigator’s report that he had bullied SLFN staff members,” continues the notice, which states the suspensions were also authorized under the customary election regulations.

Councillors Geronimo Paulette, Fred Daniels, Tony Vermillion, and Thaidene Paulette all signed the notice, which is dated May 10.

Tourangeau could not be immediately reached for comment.

Earlier this month, Smith’s Landing published a notice of nomination calling for candidates for chief and all four councillor positions.

Nominations open on May 13 and closed on May 29.

The election has been set for June 12.