Inuvik Native Band chief Lawrence Neyando resigned August 3.
NNSL file photo
According to a statement from the Inuvik Native Band, Neyando resigned due to increased demand at his full-time job and a lack of experience in managing the band's self-government file.
"Due to increased work load at my full-time job and other commitments and plans for the future, and with the attention the self-government file needs, I cannot continue at this pace," Neyando said in the statement. "You need someone with years of experience to deal with this file and to move forward in becoming one with Nihtat Gwich'in."
In the statement, Neyando also noted that better mentoring and training should be available to band members in order to become leaders and move forward.
"I will regret leaving the great staff I have had the privilege to work alongside," Neyando said in the statement. "Thank you for your understanding."
Neyando was elected as chief in March 2017. Previously, Neyando was a councillor on the Nihtat Gwich'in Council.
The statement says the Inuvik Native Band is still actively working with the Nihtat Gwich'in Council towards a community self-government process for the future.
In September 2017, the Inuvik Drum reported that the Inuvik Native Band and Nihtat Gwich'in Council would move forward together in self-government because the majority of their members are the same.
According to the statement, a by-election will likely be held in October.
The Inuvik Native Band is also working to update its election code, finance policies and human resources policies.
Three other positions may also be elected in the fall by-election, depending on changes to the election code.
"The Inuvik Native Band will continue working forward on our development and maintain programming and services for membership, and for the community partners with which we are engaged," the statement reads.
Neyando could not be reached for an interview in time for publication.