First Nation implores AWOL chief to come home – Winnipeg Free Press

ROSEAU RIVER — A southern Manitoba First Nation with a troubled political history issued a public appeal Wednesday for its chief to return to work and help mend decades of differences that have divided it.

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation declared at a news conference it wants to end years of litigious differences, including the latest one that left it with two separate elected councils in March.

After a traditional sage smudge ceremony, an honour song and a prayer, the Free Press was told the community of 2,000 people near the North Dakota border has had enough of infighting and court challenges.

The event drew together members of its elders’ council, traditionally tasked with mediating peace, along with one of the community’s two elected councils. Supporters including children crowded into the council chambers, some holding placards that called for “accountability” from its elected officials.