Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Kamloops Band Chief Running For Regional Chief Of Assembly Of First Nations

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 May, 2015 12:35 PM
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The chief of the First Nations band in Kamloops, B.C., has decided to run for regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
     
    Shane Gottfriedson said that regardless of the outcome of the vote on June 25, he will not seek re-election in November as chief of the Tk'emlups Indian Band.
     
    Gottfriedson became the first candidate for regional chief as the 203 First Nations communities in B.C. prepare to decide who will succeed Jody Wilson-Raybould, who is now a federal Liberal candidate in a Vancouver riding.
     
    Gottfriedson was elected chief in Kamloops in 2003 and has served four successive terms. He said he decided to forego a shot at a fifth term because he wanted to focus on the next step in his career.
     
    "I think 12 years of community service is a good run," he said. "I think it's time for me to look at a new career path. I think I'll always be a leader in the community."
     
    Gottfriedson considered running for national chief last year after the sudden resignation of Shawn Atleo, but decided against a campaign.
     
    "I think I can make a greater impact at the provincial level," Gottfriedson said. "My work in the community speaks for itself. I've got a proven track record."
     
    Gottfriedson ran for regional chief in 2009 and came within nine votes of sitting in that office.
     
    "This time, I'm taking a different perspective into this campaign," he said, noting the next six weeks will see him visit as many of the First Nations communities in B.C. as possible.
     
    In his speech to band members, Gottfriedson said there has been a lack of leadership in B.C. in the past six years.
     
    "Land claims scare the hell out of investors," he said. "If you treat me and my people fairly, there is nothing to be afraid of. We will not back down, but the door is always open to a fair deal."
     
    Arguing Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government has continued a policy of "extinguishing native peoples' land rights," Gottfriedson said it is time for a unified approach to aboriginal title rights and treaty.
     
    "Canada and B.C. have learned we can be their greatest ally or their darkest nightmare," he said. "The choice is obvious."
     
    As for issues such as the proposed Ajax gold-copper mine project near Kamloops, Gottfriedson pointed to the twice-denied Prosperity project in the Chilcotin as proof that industry needs to start working with communities. (Kamloops This Week)

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Energy Stocks Hit As Oilpatch Takes Stock Of Ndp Election Victory In Alberta

    Energy Stocks Hit As Oilpatch Takes Stock Of Ndp Election Victory In Alberta
    The energy group as a whole was down about two per cent in late morning trading Wednesday, with big oilsand company Cenovus (TSX:CNQ) falling by about four per cent.

    Energy Stocks Hit As Oilpatch Takes Stock Of Ndp Election Victory In Alberta

    New Brunswick Premier To Seek Notley's Support For Proposed Energy East Pipeline

    The NDP's Rachel Notley will become premier after her party defeated the Tories in Tuesday's vote to form a majority government after capturing 53 of the 87 seats in the legislature.

    New Brunswick Premier To Seek Notley's Support For Proposed Energy East Pipeline

    Canadian Due In New Hampshire Court For 1988 Nashua Killings After Extradition

    Canadian Due In New Hampshire Court For 1988 Nashua Killings After Extradition
    NASHUA, N.H. — A Canadian man is due in a New Hampshire court today to face murder charges stemming from the deaths of two women nearly 27 years ago.

    Canadian Due In New Hampshire Court For 1988 Nashua Killings After Extradition

    Next Alberta Premier Rachel Notley Takes Up Father's NDP Legacy

    Next Alberta Premier Rachel Notley Takes Up Father's NDP Legacy
    EDMONTON — Incoming Alberta Premier Rachel Notley made history Tuesday by defeating a campaign of fear and anger with a laser-focused populist message that government is about making life better for Albertans one family at a time.

    Next Alberta Premier Rachel Notley Takes Up Father's NDP Legacy

    Man Dies In Car Crash With Two Children On Board In Nanaimo, BC

    Man Dies In Car Crash With Two Children On Board In Nanaimo, BC
    NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP say a man is dead and two children have escaped serious injury after a car crash in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties say the vehicle drove off the road and hit a hydro pole at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

    Man Dies In Car Crash With Two Children On Board In Nanaimo, BC

    Toronto Stock Exchange Falls As Investors Weigh Impact Of NDP Win In Alberta

    Toronto Stock Exchange Falls As Investors Weigh Impact Of NDP Win In Alberta
    TORONTO — The Toronto stock market experienced a triple-digit drop Wednesday morning, as investors reacted to the NDP majority win in Alberta.

    Toronto Stock Exchange Falls As Investors Weigh Impact Of NDP Win In Alberta