The Stellat'en First Nation has a new chief.
Longtime incumbent Reginald Louis was up against three others vying for the position: Sherrie Holmberg, Leonard Ward and Archie Patrick. It was Patrick who prevailed at the ballot box.
Patrick has not lived in the Stellat'en community for several years but recently decided to move back. A veteran of local politics - he once ran for federal office under the NDP - he now takes a place at the band governance table alongside councillors Kenneth Luggi and Tannis Reynolds.
The Stellat'en hold elections each year, alternating between chief and councillors, thus giving each a two-year term. According to band manager Sandra Nahornoff, there is consideration for moving to simultaneous three-year terms simply to add continuity and stability in these times of economic surge.
"We have industry knocking on our doors," said Nahornoff. "We have a lot on our plate right now, especially with mining and pipeline interests. We have a lot of negotiations with industry and as a result of that, also a lot of negotiations with other levels of government."
In addition, she said, there are health, education and municipal infrastructure issues always underway that require steady governance.
The Stellat'en First Nation has its main office located on the Stellat'en reserve on the banks of the Nadleh Bun (Fraser Lake) near Fort Fraser. Stellat'en First Nation is made up of approximately 500 on- and off-reserve members.
Patrick will be officially sworn in at a ceremony Aug. 12.
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