Wayne Christian is preparing for another busy two years.
Christian was re-elected as Splatsin chief during elections Tuesday.
“I really appreciate a clear mandate. To serve your people is humbling,” said Christian, who is entering his sixth consecutive term.
Christian topped the polls with 126 votes, followed by 35 for Bev Thomas, 31 for Stuart Lee, 25 for Lawrence Lee and 18 for Gerald William.
Elected among the 30 candidates for councillor were incumbents George William, Randy Williams and Daniel Joe and newcomers George Dennis and Edna Felix.
“Diversity is what makes good decisions,” said Christian.
A priority for the next two years will be improving communications between the band and the community.
“We want to make our process more meaningful so people feel engaged,” said Christian, adding that he would also like to see a move towards a community-based decision making model.
An ongoing focus will be ensuring the community plays a role in the lives of its children.
“We are going to get more active with the federal government on this given statements from the (indigenous affairs) minister and the prime minister about reconciliation,” said Christian.
In October, the Splatsin served the provincial government with a notice of claim over the jurisdiction of children in care.
In 1980, the band introduced a child welfare bylaw, but the band says the provincial government has ignored the joint planning process in recent years.
