“People have no trust nor faith in the administration process - I would ask for a complete suspension and investigation into the financials,” Rollins stated at a meeting in Cochrane on Nov. 30.
“Food, shelter and transportation is an issue - if we would’ ve created sustainable programs before, we wouldn’ t have had these problems.”
After being encouraged by the elders from Stoney Nation - which is comprised of the Bearspaw, Chinki and Wesley bands each with a separate chief and council - Rollins said she decided she was ready to campaign for a change.
“Elders from Eden Valley and Morley approached me and hinted about the election - they put the bug in my ear. At the time, I said 'no,' I explained I was still feeling the repercussions from speaking out before but the question was always in the back of my mind,” Rollins said.
“Our leadership gives us false hope, unanswered questions - what is happening to people’ s money? Why are people losing their jobs? Why are programs discontinued due to lack of funding?”
Rollins key concerns with the band is preserving and maintaining the land, transparency and accountability with financials, and addressing the social issues on the reservation, including addictions.
Earlier this year, officials declared a state of emergency in response to drug abuse on the Nation, which was later dismissed as sensationalism by acting tribal CEO.
“He said it was more like one death per week. In a population of 4,000 to 5,000, one a week is 52. For me, that’ s 52 deaths too many ... Sometime we go to three funerals a week,” Rollins said.
Rollins, who has a background in criminal justice and is a long-time social activist on the reservation, said she has already started a business plan that would incorporate mental health and sustainable programs.
“It is going to be a long, difficult, challenging process ... but together we have spoken the truth. Now, the decision belongs to the people.”
This is the first time an election has been held for a three-year term. In 2011, then Bearspaw Chief David Bearspaw Jr., attempted a band council resolution to extend the term to four years, without a referendum.
In August 2011, a federal judge removed Bearspaw chief and council and an election was held. Darcy Dixon returned to the position of chief and two years later a referendum was called on the issue and a three-year term was enacted.
The last election was called in August 2013. This year, chief and council passed a resolution to return the Bearspaw election to Dec. 6, to align the rest of the Stoney Nation elections.
Bearspaw's chief and council election will be held on Tuesday - with a total of four chief candidates running, including Rollins, current Chief Darcy Dixon, and former Chiefs David Bearspaw Jr. and Johnny Ear.
Current councillors, Larry and Rex Daniels, are in the running, along with past councillors Keith Lefthand and Gordon Wildman. Marshall Clifford, Jimmy John, Byron R. Dixon, Cameron (Bob) Lefthand, Garnett Labelle and Wanda Rider are also running.
Band members can vote on Dec. 6.
-- with files from the Okotoks Western Wheel
FACTBOX
What Georgina Rollins is campaigning for:
-Transparency and accountability of Leadership on finances and plans for the future
- Having rights respected and to be consulted on the sales/lease of the Stoney lands
- Strengthen the education, culture and language within the schools
- Instill elder programs that address needs and acknowledge their wisdom and knowledge
- Strengthen infrastructure to provide educational supports to secure jobs in Eden Valley, Morley and Big Horn
- Start supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in the community
- Have less child welfare involvement as children are being removed from the community
