Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - July 4, 2004, Winnipeg, Manitoba Winnipeg free press sunday july 4, 2004 local a3 Swan in running to regain chiefs Job by Lindsey Wiebe despite pleading guilty to stealing $35,000 from the Lake Manitoba first nation Margaret Swan is again running for the position of chief on the Reserve. Indian and Northern affairs Canada inac has confirmed that swans name was one of five on a slate of people run Ning for the position of chief of the Lake Manitoba band. Swan has been in the Public Eye since March when it was discovered that she used band Money to buy a House and a sport Utility vehicle during her time As chief in 2000. Swan 43, was forced to quit her Job As grand chief of the Southern chiefs organization after pleading guilty and was convicted in May for theft Over $5,000. Swan could not be reached for comment on her candidacy but told the free press on wednes Day that she recently began a new Job at the Centre an aboriginal Community Centre in Winnipeg. I had other Job offers i picked this Job because its working with our own she said. Swan said she a spent a lot of time alone since the theft went Public. One of the things i be been doing of course is working on myself to Deal with some of the anger or Hurt or pain i Felt As a result of everything that a gone on in the past year she said. I be been staying away from most everybody except for my immediate family and my Swan said she found out through a Tele phone Call that she had been nominated to run for chief of the Lake Manitoba first nation. Inac official Gilbert Savard said there Are no Laws preventing Swan from running for chief or holding office. The Indian act does not restrict individuals convicted of an indictable offence from seeking election he said. Savard said if Swan had been acting As chief at the time of her conviction she would have had to step Down. Prior to her conviction Swan was known As an outspoken advocate of aboriginal rights and voiced her opposition to proposed changes by the Federal government to first nations governance. Swan is currently serving a one year conditional sentence which includes an order to repay the Money she stole from the Lake Manitoba band As Well As 50 hours of Community service. Officials at the Lake Manitoba first nation say the election is set for August 6. Also running Are Florence Mclean Glen Monkman sr., Robert May Way Ashing and Barry Swan said Savard. ? with files from Mike Mcintyre and David Kuxhaus sex offender eludes police a dangerous sexual offender is still on the Lam after breaking out of the Pas correction Centre last week. Samuel Albert Dysart 29, of Nelson House is described As aboriginal about six foot one 170 pounds with Short Black hair and glasses. Dysart was in jail for sexual assault and forcible confine ment. He is considered violent and dangerous. Two men who escaped with him Are Back in custody. Anyone with information should Call a local ramp detach ment or crime stoppers at 800 222-8477. Final summer clearance starts monday july 5 featured group suits Reg. To $995 now $395 sport jackets Reg. To $750 now $250 Slacks Reg. To $275 now $95 shoes Reg. To $295 now $95 outerwear Reg. To $695 now $195 limited sizes and quantities All sales final free alterations extra Hanford parking at rear Drewitt . 354 Broadway 957-1640 9 00-5 30 ;