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

    More Than 600 Victims In Alleged Immigration Fraud Scheme Run By Toronto Woman

    More Than 600 Victims In Alleged Immigration Fraud Scheme Run By Toronto Woman
    TORONTO — More than 600 people around the world fell victim to an alleged immigration fraud scheme run by a Toronto woman, who now faces 73 charges in an expanding investigation.

    More Than 600 Victims In Alleged Immigration Fraud Scheme Run By Toronto Woman

    RCMP Say One Dead After B.C. Semi Rollover That Nearly Ignited Forest Fire

    RCMP Say One Dead After B.C. Semi Rollover That Nearly Ignited Forest Fire
    PEMBERTON, B.C. — Mounties say one person is dead after a fiery semi truck crash north of Pemberton, B.C.

    RCMP Say One Dead After B.C. Semi Rollover That Nearly Ignited Forest Fire

    PMO Removes Videos From Online Site That May Show Soldiers' Faces

    PMO Removes Videos From Online Site That May Show Soldiers' Faces
    EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — A series of videos distributed by the Prime Minister's Office, some of which may show the faces of Canada's special forces soldiers, were abruptly pulled offline early Tuesday.

    PMO Removes Videos From Online Site That May Show Soldiers' Faces

    Canadian Tourists Warned To Limit Movements, Remain Vigilant In Mexico

    Canadian Tourists Warned To Limit Movements, Remain Vigilant In Mexico
    TORONTO — Canada's embassy In Mexico has issued a warning to tourists following a wave of recent attacks by a drug cartel in the western state of Jalisco.

    Canadian Tourists Warned To Limit Movements, Remain Vigilant In Mexico

    Majority Of Canadians Lack Full Understanding Of Sexual Consent, Poll Finds

    Majority Of Canadians Lack Full Understanding Of Sexual Consent, Poll Finds
      TORONTO — An online poll commissioned by the Canadian Women's Foundation suggests most Canadians are lacking knowledge about the definition of sexual consent.

    Majority Of Canadians Lack Full Understanding Of Sexual Consent, Poll Finds

    Replacement Named For Manitoba Judge Scrutinized For Explicit Photos

    WINNIPEG — A replacement has been named for a Manitoba judge who faced public scrutiny over sexually explicit photos.

    Replacement Named For Manitoba Judge Scrutinized For Explicit Photos