Burns Lake Band (BLB) Chief Dan George was re-elected for another four years as chief on Oct. 21, 2016.
He won with a total of 40 votes while candidate Greg Favelle received 29 and Jean Sam received five.
“It feels really good to be re-elected,” he said.
Chief George said that in addition to the new lodge being built in Burns Lake, he is working on two other projects. However, he said it was too soon to discuss them.
Ryan Tibbett was elected as councillor with 37 votes while incumbent Daniel Cunningham was re-elected as councillor with 35.
Tibbett brings plenty of experience to the job as he was a BLB councillor from 1998 to 2010. He said one of his goals during this term will be to improve communication between council and band members.
Candidates Clayton Charlie and Ellen Lorentz received 24 votes each; Cecelia Sam received 15 votes and Pius Charlie received 12.
The BLB is one of seven B.C. First Nations that have opted-in to the First Nations elections act since it came into force in April 2015. This has extended the term of office of the BLB from two to four years.
All votes were counted at the band’s office in front of the media and members of the public immediately after the close of the polling station. A total of three ballots were rejected.