The Chief of the Adams Lake Indian Band has issued a letter stating he will resign amid the removal of three of the band鈥檚 councillors from their positions.

A spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), said chief Robin Billy sent a letter which says he intends to resign on Nov. 18. The spokesperson also confirmed the removal of three members of the band council in accordance with the band鈥檚 community election system.

鈥淭he Department (AANDC) has no role in how the community鈥檚 leadership is selected, elected or how governance disputes are resolved,鈥� the spokesperson said.

Councillors Ronnie Jules, Brandy Jules and Gina Johnny were removed by the band鈥檚 community panel on Oct. 23.

The chief鈥檚 position is listed as vacant on the band鈥檚 website as of Nov. 8. Three councillors鈥� positions are also listed as vacant.

According to the band鈥檚 election rules, if the office of the chief or a councillor becomes vacant a by-election is to be held within 60 days.

According to the election rules if more than one band council seat becomes vacant  the byelection will include all vacancies. No byelections are to be held with less than six months remaining in the term of the band council member whose office has become vacant. The next regularly scheduled band council election was to be held in February 2018.

Successful byelection candidates hold the office for the remainder of the term of the chief or councillor they were elected to replace. As of Nov. 8 the band鈥檚 offices in both Chase and Salmon Arm have reopened following a closure which began in late October.