Journal Staff
Aamjiwnaang’s first female band chief won’t be returning to office when her two-year term comes to an end.
Joanne Rogers, who recently suffered the loss of her son, confirmed she won’t be on the ballot for the July 20 election, in order to focus on her family.
In 2016, Rogers became the first woman ever elected to lead the Sarnia First Nation when she handily won a four-person contest for chief.
The lifelong Aamjiwnaang resident retired in 2014 after serving 21 years as a Justice of the Peace, and was recently appointed to the Sarnia Police Services Board.
Four candidates for chief are listed on the ballot: Darren Henry, Christopher T. Plain, Lareina Rising and Ronald Codey Simon.
A total of 26 people are vying for nine councillor positions, including eight of the current council members.
The election takes place at the Maawn Doosh Gamig Community Centre on Friday, July 20.