William Seymour is still chief of Cowichan Tribes after the First Nation’s election for council was held on Dec. 6.
Seymour, who has won the past three elections for chief and has served a total six years in that position so far, was elected for another two years with 429 of the 1,322 votes cast for chief.
Of the 11 candidates that ran for chief, Stephanie Atleo took the second highest number of votes with 245, while Howie George took third place with 227 votes.
RELATED STORY: COWICHAN TRIBES’ ELECTION OF CHIEF AND COUNCIL TO BE HELD DEC.6
As well, 12 council seats were also contended during the election, and 76 candidates signed up to run for them.
The 12 who won seats, from the highest vote count down, are Howie George, Stuart Pagaduan, Craig George, Stephanie Atleo, Calvin Swustus Jr., Jen Charlie, Albie Charlie, Debra Toporowski, Francine Alphonse, Calvin Swustus Sr., Dora Wilson and Cindy Jane Daniels.
With almost 5,000 members, and approximately 3,200 eligible voters, Cowichan Tribes is the largest First Nation in British Columbia.
Voter turnout for the elections is typically around 45 per cent, higher than local municipal elections.
The main issues in the election were around land use, child and family services, education and housing.
RELATED STORY: APPREHENSION OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN IN VALLEY MUST END, REPORT CONCLUDES
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
