Photo: Colin Dacre

Chief Chad Eneas at the LSIB's "Day of Action" in August.

A group within the Penticton Indian Band opposed to Chief Chad Eneas is unsatisfied with his announcement earlier this month calling byelections to fill five council seats left empty by resignations.

In an email Tuesday from group spokesperson and former councillor Dolly Kruger, the disgruntled members told media they are renewing calls for an entirely new election.

At a community meeting on Aug. 30, the band’s electoral officer reportedly stated that due to the lack of quorum on council, there were grounds for a new election.

But according to people at the meeting, the Chief pushed back.

“Chief Chad Eneas stated at the Aug. 30 meeting that he would obtain a legal opinion and the community has yet to receive it,” the group’s statement reads.

In his Sept. 8 byelection announcement, Eneas said the “recent activities of some through media” do not reflect the greater community, adding council has received several letters of support.

That’s something the insurgent group disputes, stating the mass resignations are proof the distrust is coming from more than just a special interest group.

The most high-profile resignation came from former Chief Jonathan Kruger, who accused the Chief of dividing the community in his resignation letter.

Details about byelections have yet to be announced, but could be unveiled during a community meeting this week, where the unsatisfied members say they will continue to demand a new election.

Phone calls to Eneas Tuesday were sent straight to voicemail.