Walpole Island First Nation’s Chief and Council are considering a move away from the Indian Act electoral system to the First Nations Elections Act as part of a broader effort to strengthen self-governance and improve election processes.
In a notice dated April 30, 2026, the Council of Three Fires said the change would shift governance away from the Indian Act, which was established in 1876 and “enforcing strict government oversight,” toward a framework that allows for greater autonomy.
“The Indian Act was established in 1876 with colonial control over Indigenous interests in mind, enforcing strict government oversight,” the notice states. “The federal government later created the First Nations Elections Act, which came into effect in 2014, giving First Nations greater control over their governance and decision-making with little to no government interference.”
Under the proposed transition, Walpole Island First Nation would move from a two-year term to a four-year term for Chief and Council.
Council said the change is intended to support long-term planning, reduce election-related costs and increase opportunities for economic development through partnerships and joint ventures. It would also allow time to develop and implement a custom election code.
The proposal includes changes to the nomination process and voting procedures, including requirements for candidates to formally accept nominations in writing and for mail-in ballots to be requested with proper identification rather than automatically sent to off-reserve members.
“Mail-in ballots are to be requested with proper identification. Ballots are no longer automatically mailed to off-reserve band members, ensuring greater accuracy, accountability, and transparency,” the notice states.
Council also noted that the First Nations Elections Act would limit candidates to running for either Chief or Council in the same election.
Officials say public presentations will be held at various locations, including Walpole Island, Wallaceburg, Chatham and Sarnia, to provide more information and gather input from community members.
“Moving forward, presentations will be delivered to the public at various locations to provide more information,” the notice states. “Please stay tuned for further updates.”
Community members seeking more information or wishing to provide input can contact Bruce Sands Jr. or Lily Sands at bruce.sands.jr@wifn.org or lily.sands@wifn.org.
