Jean Marie River uses family representatives on its council

In Jean Marie River, a small community in the Northwest Territories, Paul Simon was elected chief on Oct.

28.

Two other elected representatives speak for youth and elders, while four councillors are chosen by family groups.

The system has been used by the Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation for nearly a decade as an alternative to elections under the Indian Act, which allows communities to use custom election rules.

Three larger families each chose a representative, and a fourth seat is shared among representatives from three smaller families.

Supporters say the approach brings more people into local politics and can help the council work across family lines; others worry it may reinforce divisions.

The council is expected to serve the whole community, and recent work included planning a subdivision and buying several small homes.