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Two police cruisers idled outside the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations office in Saskatoon on the first day of its month-long electoral period as a quiet struggle for interim control of the organization played out behind closed doors.

The federation representing 74 Saskatchewan First Nations is set to elect a new chief, first vice-chief and second vice-chief on Oct. 25. Under its legislation, any current executive member standing for re-election was required to resign by 12 p.m. Monday.

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Shortly after that deadline, police arrived.

Minutes earlier, First Vice-Chief Kim Jonathan sent an email to FSIN staff and dozens of Saskatchewan chiefs stating that she would not seek re-election, and per Section 53 of the FSIN Executive Act would resume duties as interim chief, effective at noon.

According to a 2012 copy of the act, Section 53 states: “When the position of Chief becomes vacant and until such time as the position has been filled … the first vice chief shall assume the duties of the chief and shall be referred to as the interim chief.”