April 9, 2025

To Whom it May Concern:

We hereby formerly appeal the recent Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Election results as they pertain to:

• Seth Goodswimmer
• Shannon Ghowace

Pursuant to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Election Code, all candidates for election must continuously reside in the community for one full year leading up to the election. In the case of the two candidates listed above, neither met this requirement, thus neither should have been allowed to run.

As such, s.12.1.a and s.12.1.b were contravened in allowing the above noted two to stand in the election as candidates for Council.

We submit that Gloria Larocque be excused from the Appeal Committee for conflict of interest she clearly supported a certain candidate by wearing her pin at the election nomination debate that she chaired. Until she was asked to remove it. Fairness is of upmost importance in this process and we feel her removal will ensure we shall receive that. We also submit that Patsy Campbell be excused from the Appeal Committee under the Customary Election Code 12.4 b. The conflict of interest in her case is outlined in her support for certain candidates that were family members, close friends and her employer (which is SLCN). Once again we feel we would not get a fair outcome if she remains on the Appeal Committee.

SLCN Council failed to give directions to Electoral Officer Ron Laufer by BCR outlining potential candidate’s residency and how to attain proof. SLCN Council appointed an Electoral Officer who did not understand the Band Customary Election Code and in the Code, it clearly states “Understand these Regulations and be able to administer them”. Electoral Officer Ron Laufer did not know the meaning of “Reside” as he allowed 4 all together to let their names stand to run for Council. Having a house under your name but NOT living in it does not make you a permanent resident. A power bill in your name is clearly inadmissible if you don’t live in the residence for 12 consecutive months as stated in the code.

On Election Day, the Electoral Officer Ron Laufer allowed certain band members to be parked right outside the front doors of the community hall with posters of the candidates

they were supporting for Chief and Councillors. In the code this propaganda is not allowed. Voters that went to vote already had their names crossed off WHY? That clearly showed the misrepresentation of allowing voters to vote if they are ineligible. The Electoral Officer Ron Laufer himself going behind voters while they were voting WHY? This action was totally uncalled and made the voter feel violated.

We stand ready to add testimony to a hearing on the matter.

Respectfully,

Wilma Goodswimmer 4550091001 -SLCN Band Member

Albert Goodswimmer 4550059501 – SLCN Band Member