FROG LAKE – Frog Lake First Nation Council says it does not recognize or endorse a proposed appointment of George Stanley as Interim Chief and says the Nation’s six elected Councillors will continue governing collectively following the removal of former Chief Gregory Desjarlais.

Council issued a letter Tuesday, October 7, responding to an October 3 letter proposing Stanley’s appointment as Interim Chief.

The October 3 letter was signed by a group of Frog Lake Elders and, according to Council, concluded with the statements “On Behalf of the Elders of Frog Lake First Nation” and “The Undersigned Elders of Frog Lake First Nation.”

Council said it respects the Elders who signed the letter but disputes the suggestion that they speak collectively for all Frog Lake Elders.

“Their signatures express their own position; they do not, by themselves, establish a mandate to speak on behalf of every Frog Lake Elder,” Council stated.

Council said it has since heard from approximately 60 other Elders who say the signatories do not speak on their behalf.

Council said those voices must also be respected and that any recommendation presented as representing Frog Lake Elders collectively should come through what it described as a clear and inclusive process.

“All Frog Lake Elders should receive proper notice and a fair opportunity to participate when a meeting or recommendation is presented as representing the Elders collectively,” Council stated.

Council says six Councillors remain responsible for governance

The disagreement over an Interim Chief comes just over a week after Frog Lake First Nation’s Election Appeal Committee removed Gregory Desjarlais from the Office of Chief.

The committee granted a formal removal complaint after finding that a $65,000 payment of Nation funds used toward the purchase of a residential property amounted to an improper use of funds under Frog Lake’s Election Code.

The Election Appeal Committee also decided not to order a by-election because Frog Lake’s next general election is scheduled for April 2027.

With the Office of Chief now vacant, Council says responsibility for governing the Nation remains with its six elected Councillors.

“The people of Frog Lake elected the six Councillors to carry out their responsibilities and make decisions on behalf of the Nation,” Council stated.

Council said it is managing the transition and remains responsible for the continuity of administration, essential programs and services, and protection of the Nation’s funds and assets.

Council then directly addressed the proposed appointment.

“Council does not endorse or recognize the proposed appointment of George Stanley as Interim Chief through this letter.”

Council said Frog Lake has an Election Code and that it intends to follow any provisions within the code dealing with the vacancy and interim governance.

In the meantime, Council’s position is that the six elected Councillors will continue governing collectively.

Stanley invited to seek Chief position in April election

Council said Stanley is welcome to seek the position through Frog Lake First Nation’s next general election.

“George Stanley is welcome to put his name forward in the April 2027 general election through the nomination process provided he meets the eligibility requirements,” the letter states.

Council said leadership must be determined through the Nation’s established processes.

Council also said it remains willing to meet with Elders through what it described as an inclusive process.

“We ask that everyone respect the voices of other Elders, the mandate given to elected Council, and the governance processes of Frog Lake First Nation.”

The October 7 letter is signed by all six members of Frog Lake First Nation Council: Councillors Wanda Stanley, Adrianna Waskahat, Colin Quinney, Dallas Waskahat, Cliffton Cross and Jason Quinney.