Tla’amin Nation elected its first-ever government on Saturday, September 10, and a familiar face has returned to lead the self-governing nation.
Former chief Clint Williams, who assumed the hegus title when Tla’amin’s treaty with the governments of BC and Canada came into effect, was elected as hegus with more than 40 per cent of total votes.
The total number of voters in the election was 465, around two-thirds of eligible voters, a number that electoral officer Fred Schiffner said he was pleased with.
“That’s quite a high turnout,“ said Schiffner. “It was excellent, quite frankly. Normally we get 50 to 60 per cent. There seemed to be a lot of interest, so that was great.”
Approximately 700 Tla’amin citizens were eligible to vote in the nation’s first election. Tla’amin became self-governing on April 5.
Williams, who was instrumental in Tla’amin becoming a nation, won the position of hegus, with 196 votes, over fellow candidates John Steven Hackett, who had 153 votes, and Vern Pielle, who collected 113 votes. Two ballots for hegus were spoiled.
Williams said his success in the election was the result of teamwork and he is excited for the nation’s work ahead.
“It’s nice to see that confidence that the people have in the work done to date,” said Williams. “It’s great that the work will carry on with the implementation of the laws and regulations of the nation, and making Tla’amin a successful and prosperous nation.”
The nation also elected eight legislators. Lori Sparrow (Wilson) was re-elected and the leading vote-getter with 317 votes. Sparrow was joined by other re-elected legislators, formerly known as councillors, Larry Louie (263 votes), Gloria Francis (239 votes), John Steven Hackett (218 votes), Brian Hackett (201 votes) and Shawn Louie (199 votes).
New legislators elected were Tyrone Wilson, who was second only to Sparrow (Wilson) with 304 votes, and Denise Smith with 216 votes.
Hopeful candidates Walter Paul, Grace Adams, Doreen Point, Samuel Hackett, Verna Francis, Anthony George, Doreen Hopkins, Tracy Timothy, Neil Timothy and David Louie were not elected. Clint Williams also ran for legislator, but was not elected.
Schiffner said after the new Tla’amin government officials are sworn into office, four legislators will be chosen from the eight in an internal vote to decide who will sit on Tla’amin’s executive council.
The council is responsible for day-to-day operations of the nation as well as shaping the nation’s five departments: finance and administration, community service, lands and resources, public works and economic development. The executive council will meet weekly while all eight legislators will meet together twice a year.
Hegus and legislators are on a four-year term. Previously chief and councillors sat for two years.
Shiffner said the nation’s first electronic vote, which had no provision for its use under the Indian Act, was a learning experience. Despite some technological hurdles for voters, many were able to vote online.
“People generally liked it, but there were some problems,” said Shiffner. “There was certainly a really good interest in this election. There were a lot of people who came in to vote in person.”
Williams said he looks forward to carrying on with the relationships the nation has formed with other local governments and participating in the future of the Powell River area.
“People are happy with the direction we’re headed in,” said Williams, “and I find it really rewarding to be elected the first hegus of the Tla’amin Nation in this historic election.”
