A judge in Alberta ordered the chief and council for the Bearspaw Band of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation to step down.

Chief David Bearspaw and four council members extended their terms in office even though they were supposed to leave last December. They said a new election wouldn't be held until 2012.

Judge Richard Mosley said their action violated the law. The leaders are "prohibited from continuing to hold office pending an election and enjoined from exercising the powers of those offices," he said in a decision on Thursday, Postmedia News reported.

Bearspaw has clashed with the leaders from the Chiniki and Wesley bands that also make up the First Nation.

Get the Story:
Judge boots Alberta First Nation chief and council from office (Postmedia News 6/23)

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