Blueberry River First Nations Tel: (250) 630-2800

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Buick Creek BC V0C 2R0

FEDERAL COURT STOPS ILLEGAL ATTEMPT TO REMOVE CHIEF MARVIN YAHEY

July 2, 2020

For Immediate Release

We are writing in response to recent media reports regarding the June 29th decision of the Federal Court of
Canada, which stopped the unlawful efforts of three BRFN councillors to remove Chief Marvin Yahey from
office, in direct violation of our Custom Election Code. It is an important decision which upholds the integrity
of our Custom Code, but unfortunately the media has not accurately reported on the terms of the Court’s
order. We have therefore provided a brief summary below for the benefit of the membership:

1. The two Band Council Resolutions that the three Councillors (Councillors Robin Ewaskow, Shelley
Gauthier and Troy Wolf) tried to pass contrary to our Custom Code (concerning the Chief’s removal and
then later the suspension of the BRFN director of operations and a change in signing authority for BRFN
bank accounts), are suspended and have no legal effect.

2. The three Councillors are not allowed to make any further statements that Chief Yahey has been
removed from office.

3. The three Councillors are not allowed to call special Council meetings or say anything which suggests
that they have the authority to act on behalf of BRFN.

4. The three Councillors have to immediately pay $3000 in court costs to Chief Yahey and Councillors
Dominic and Yahey.

5. The Court also ordered that a band council meeting be held within 30 days to consider the petition to
remove Chief Yahey, which the three Councillors say has been signed by over 60% of the membership.
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However, it is important to note that those signatures have still not been produced, and under our
Custom Code, no meeting can proceed until a full petition with signatures has been provided in
advance to all Council members and the director of operations.

6. Finally, no member of Council is allowed to threaten or intimidate anyone who has signed the petition.
However, the Custom Code requires that those members who have signed the petition will each be
asked individually to verify their signature on the petition and whether they wish to remove the Chief
from office.

To be clear, Chief Yahey remains in office, and will continue to work hard to serve the needs of the community
during this challenging time. A full copy of the Court order is attached to this statement.

Approved by Chief Marvin Yahey, Councillor Sherry Dominic and Councillor Wayne Yahey