Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

    Regulator Could Impose New Wholesale Rules, Impacting Wireless Roaming Rates

    Regulator Could Impose New Wholesale Rules, Impacting Wireless Roaming Rates
    GATINEAU, Que. — Canada's telecom regulator will issue a decision today that could affect the fees charged to consumers when they roam with their wireless devices outside of their home network areas.

    Regulator Could Impose New Wholesale Rules, Impacting Wireless Roaming Rates

    4 More Suspicious Packages Received At Courthouses In Nova Scotia

    4 More Suspicious Packages Received At Courthouses In Nova Scotia
    HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's Justice Department says police are investigating after four more courthouses across the province received suspicious packages today.

    4 More Suspicious Packages Received At Courthouses In Nova Scotia

    Omar Khadr Bail Decision Delayed Until Thursday

    Omar Khadr Bail Decision Delayed Until Thursday
    EDMONTON — An Alberta judge says she needs more time to make a decision on whether former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Khadr should be released on bail.

    Omar Khadr Bail Decision Delayed Until Thursday

    Shawn Merrick, Dangerous B.C. Man Who Escaped Custody Is A Suspect In Multiple Robberies In Surrey

    Shawn Merrick, Dangerous B.C. Man Who Escaped Custody Is A Suspect In Multiple Robberies In Surrey
    SURREY, B.C. — A 43-year-old man who is the subject of a Canada-wide warrant for escaping custody is now a suspect in multiple robberies in Surrey and Langley, B.C.

    Shawn Merrick, Dangerous B.C. Man Who Escaped Custody Is A Suspect In Multiple Robberies In Surrey

    Health Warning Issued Against Fake Surrey Dentist: Patients At Risk Of Contracting HIV, Hepatitis B

    Health Warning Issued Against Fake Surrey Dentist: Patients At Risk Of Contracting HIV, Hepatitis B
    The College of Dental Surgeons of BC says Valentyn Uvarovwas treating patients without a license at 14275 ‐ 62nd Avenue in Surrey.

    Health Warning Issued Against Fake Surrey Dentist: Patients At Risk Of Contracting HIV, Hepatitis B

    Report Of Violent Confrontation In West Vancouver Home Before Man's Death: Police

    Report Of Violent Confrontation In West Vancouver Home Before Man's Death: Police
    ANCOUVER — A 55-year-old man has been arrested after what police are calling a suspicious death in a West Vancouver home. Several charges are being considered, and the victim is a 42-year-old man.

    Report Of Violent Confrontation In West Vancouver Home Before Man's Death: Police