Wesley Sam and Pauline Goertzen have been nominated for the position of chief of the Burns Lake Band (BLB) in Burns Lake (Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation).
Sam and Goertzen were the only nominations last Wednesday afternoon during a statutory nomination process. Sam is a former elected band councillor, BLB member, and local business owner.
Burns Lake resident Goertzen, a non-band member, has been an active member of the Burns Lake community of most of her life, and has been involved with the Burns Lake Band since her early twenties.
According Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), current Indian Act band election regulations allow for an elected chief who is not his or herself registered on the band list.
Only registered members of the band who are 18 or older can vote, and only registered members of the band can stand for election as a councillor.
All registered band members, both on and off reserve, are eligible to vote in the up coming election on Feb. 11, 2014.
The position of chief for the Burns Lake Band was vacated on Dec. 31, 2013 when then Chief Albert Gerow resigned from his position citing the desire to pursue other opportunities.
Gerow was in his second term as chief when he resigned. His tenure was marked with controversy surrounding on-reserve band members who challenged his leadership.
Sam declined the opportunity for the moment to comment on his nomination for chief or to comment on his running mate.
Goertzen described her nomination as being for a period of transition.
“This is not a common practice, nor should it be,” Goertzen said. “But it has gotten everyone’s attention. The desire for fair participation and no perception of nepotism or self-interest among the members on the reserve has been communicated to me, as the band membership now struggles from severe divisions and unrest.”
“I have been asked to convene, in the next eight months, the entire membership to review information and plan together. This willingness to bring the community together has made me decide to accept this task and comes as an honour. I look forward to using my skills to serve and walk with this community on the path they choose to move forward.”
Goertzen reported she was asked by Cecelia Sam to stand.