Ryan Reynolds and Sir Paul McCartney have been nominated as candidates for chief of Walpole Island First Nation.
Director of Operations James Jenkins, Sarnia's former deputy city clerk, said historic precedent dating back to 1868 allows nonmembers of the community to run for the position of chief.
"There were two nonmembers that were nominated for the role of chief," said Jenkins. "We have our elections under the Indian Act and there is a provision that dates back to the 1860s where it's possible for members to nominate a nonmember for chief. So, that's what happened in this case."
Jenkins said he's not sure what the intentions were behind the two eligible electors who made the nominations, but the Canadian actor and English musician can have their names removed if they wish.
"All of the candidates have until 4 p.m. on Thursday this week to contact our membership office and withdraw their name from the ballot. It [the election] is a mail-in and in-person process. It will be held on September 19."
Jenkins said after further discussion with Indigenous Services Canada and their electoral officer, if they are unsuccessful in attempting to contact Reynolds or McCartney by the 4 p.m. Thursday deadline, they will remove their names from the ballot.
Walpole Island Governance Building. August, 2020 Photo courtesy of James Jenkins.
A dozen people have been nominated for chief, including incumbent Dan Miskokomon who was re-elected to his third, consecutive, two-year term in 2018. He previously served as chief in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Over 80 people have been nominated to serve on the 12-member band council.
"Any member of Walpole Island First Nation that's of legal age is eligible to vote by mail or in-person and for the position of chief, the candidate with the most votes is elected and at that point would have the opportunity to refuse the office if they wish, or else they would assume the office of chief for the First Nation," Jenkins said.
The polls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. September 19.
Click here to view the Walpole Island First Nation 2020 election nominations.