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1999-2001 BAND COUNCIL |
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Council
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Since 1994 it has been my honor to be your representative to council, and over the last two years, as your Chief Councilor. During this period I have had the opportunity to work with others who have helped me grow along with this community, to be fair and honest to you. I have seen this community grow from being a dependant society, one dependant on ill-funded government programs, to a self-sufficient and forward thinking community. I look back on these years with a feeling of great personal pride in knowing that this is a progressive minded community and, when given the opportunity, has proven that First Nations people are not just an obstacle to the economy of our province and our country, but one that can contribute. We have come from being seasonally 90% unemployed to virtually wiping out the unemployment rate of the on-reserve population. We have seen the replacement of the old wooden boardwalk with a more safe and practical paved causeway. We also, in this time period, have the BC ferries making regularly scheduled stops in our community. The Kitasoo Band Council administration now has a new home, one that is more practical and aesthetically pleasing. I could mention so much more, but I cannot forget to mention you the community, whose confidence and hard work made all of this become reality, and for that we owe you a great deal of gratitude. So, with that said, it brings me great pride to say that whether I represented you as councilor or as Chief Councilor, I have always been first and foremost a proud member of our community. I am leaving council with the utmost confidence that the future representative will continue to provide their services for the betterment of us all. My decision not to go for another term as a councilor was not an easy one, but I feel a necessary one for me. I do and will always continue to wish the best for our community. Representing this community in a political role has been both challenging and enjoyable, although not without cost. I have decided to devote more of my time to my family. They are an important part of my life, and despite the fact that they were nothing but very supportive to me, I am not willing to take the chance that I may be alienating them. Who knows, maybe I may again decide to run for another term in the next decade or so . I will conclude by offering you this, " Always remember the past, so you know where you came from, but don't live in the past or you will be doomed to repeat history . Be mindful of the present so that you may be better prepared to make decisions that will define your future." To the next Council I say good luck, and we look forward to all that you will bring to our community. Klemtu, July 3rd, 2001 |