New Seabird Island Chief James Harris posted his first address to the people of Seabird Island to their social media page on Monday, May 4, about two weeks after winning the April 15 election. He succeeds former Chief Clem Seymour and will serve a three-year term.
“I just wanted to say how proud I am to be the newly elected chief of Seabird Island for the next three year term,” he said. He congratulated the incumbent council members as well as a new face on council, Mat Point, Jr. “I wanted to thank all the members who voted in the election, whether it was through mail-in ballot, online voting or if they went to the polling station.”
Harris addressed the changes the coronavirus pandemic brought to the community, expressing optimism at the use of technology such as online meetings, video notices and chats to keep everyone connected, strong and as informed as possible.
Chief Harris first communication to SIB Citizens
Posted by Seabird Island Band on Monday, May 4, 2020
“I would like everyone to know the council has been having regular meetings with the band administrative staff to make sure there is notices and information going out so people can be kept up to date with the tough challenges we are facing today,” he said. The assistance distributed includes signs for display to signal if a home needs help, relevant medical information and contacts and more.
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“I hope everyone is staying safe and doing their social distancing,” Harris said. “We all need to remember to keep in contact with our family members as a way of checking in on them to make sure they are safe, too.”
Harris told the community to continue to stay tuned as video updates will continue.
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