Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose First Nation) elected a new chief and council on Monday.
With 57 votes, councillor Brent Edwards ousted former chief David Bob, who received just 31 votes. Bob had won five elections in the past, serving as chief for 10 years.
Five candidates ran for chief this year including: Katie Bob-Sampson (14 votes), Leroy Bob (10 votes) and Brian Bob (2 votes). Three votes were spoiled.
Brent Edwards, Christopher Bob, Gordon Edwards and Lawrence Mitchell were elected as councillors.
Twelve people ran for four council seats. As Brent Edwards won both the chief position and a council seat, he will serve in both positions unless he decides to resign from one at which time a by-election will ensue.
In total, 117 ballots were cast in the election. Voters cast their ballots at the Nanoose First Nation Community Hall in Lantzville Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to Aboriginal Affairs, Snaw-naw-as has a total registered population of 252 people as of December.
Snaw-naw-as holds elections every two years. According to the Snaw-naw-as website, the political role of chief and council is to represent their members’ interests, to be advocates and to have an open personal and professional working relationship with all members. As leaders, chief and council become advocates for community needs and concerns, meaning they sometimes have to lobby or negotiate agreements with other levels of government or participate in regional and/or provincial meetings.
