Carrier Sekani Tribal Council tribal chief Terry Teegee is running for the elected position of regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.
"This is my time now. It's a great opportunity for me," he said.
At Carrier Sekani since 2012, Teegee remains optimistic after attending the fourth annual cabinet and chiefs meeting in Vancouver last week.
"There have been many great words - commitments made by the B.C. NDP and Green Party coalition provincial government," Teegee shared on his Facebook page. "Now is the time to take what is rightfully ours and no need to ask for permission. We have to lead the way to our own prosperity and recognition of our resources and the decisions of our people."
Teegee, a registered professional forester, grew up in Fort St. James and attended Fort
St. James secondary school.
He graduated from UNBC with a bachelor of science degree in forestry in 2006.
Teegee also completed his diploma in forestry technology from the College of New Caledonia.
From 2009 to 2012, Teegee served as Vice-Tribal Chief of Carrier Sekani and prior to being elected to his current position as Tribal Chief, Teegee was the forestry coordinator for his First Nation community of Takla Lake.
Teegee has also been elected as the B.C. representative for the National Aboriginal Forestry Association and was appointed to the Fraser Basil Council Board.
"I've gained experience over the last eight years and I now want to take all of the good work we've done and bring it forward and expand it to the rest of the province and I know I have the ability to do that," Teegee said.
The B.C. Assembly of First Nations represents 203 First Nations across the province.
It works to advance the Aboriginal title and rights and other interests of First Nations in B.C. while helping to restore and enhance relationships to ensure First Nations interests are advocated through the regional chief.
The regional chief provides the political leadership and activities for the assembly and is elected by the B.C. First Nations Chiefs for a term of three years.
The role of regional chief is to ensure regional concerns of BCAFN members are included in national political discussions and decision-making processes.
Acting Chief Maureen Chapman will remain in office until the election on Oct. 12.
