Salt River First Nation chief resigning

Frieda Martselos is stepping down as chief of the Salt River First Nation in Fort Smith, N.W.T., which has been plagued by political infighting over the past four years.

Martselos announced her resignation at a band council meeting Tuesday night. She would not comment Wednesday on why she is stepping down at this time.

Her last day on the job is Sept. 11. A byelection will be called shortly after that.

In May 2007, the Salt River First Nation councilfired Martselos as chief a week after her election, with some councillors citing concerns about her leadership style.

The council's move ignited a bitter leadership dispute that divided the First Nation over the next few years.

Martselos wasreinstated as chief in January 2008 after theFederal Court quashed the band council's resolution to fire her. Council decided toappeal the court ruling.

First Nation members re-elected Martselos in August 2008, but an arbitratoroverturned the election results after her rival, Dave Poitras, accused Martselos of defamation and smear campaigning.

Another election was held in June 2009, with Martselos defeating Poitras again.