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OTTAWA — Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl has used rarely invoked Indian Act powers to force voting on a small Algonquin community in northern Quebec that has been locked in a years-long battle with the federal government, while being torn by internal divisions.
David Nahwegahbow, a lawyer for the council of Chief Jean-Maurice Matchewan, said the federal government would face a constitutional challenge. "It is draconian and of questionable constitutionality," he said. Rival Chief Casey Ratt also said he would oppose the decision. "I am not the one who will do away with any customary practices that our community has," said Ratt. Continue reading here. Read the letter from Chuck Strahl here.