The swearing ceremony of the new council and chief for Lake Babine Nation took place on July 7, 2015 at the Margaret Patrick Hall. Five women sit on council this round making them the majority.
Approximately 60 people attended the event. Mayor Luke Strimbold and RCMP officer constable Jason Gernhard were on hand to conduct the ceremony. The biggest cheer was when re-elected chief Wilf Adam was sworn in.
Although it was a joyous occasion, the tone of the meeting was sober as one of Lake Babine Nation elders recently passes away – chief Adam's mother, Maryann Adam.
Although Adam’s mother passed, Adam said as emotional as it is “things must proceed’. During the ceremony, chief Adam announced which positions the elected councillors would be taking over.
Bessie West was chosen as deputy chief while Melvin Joseph was appointed as finance administrator. After being appointed, Joseph announced that 25 per cent of his honorarium would be donated back to the community as he feels his “pay is too high.”
Darren Patrick will be responsible for education and governance structure, and Delores Alec will be responsible for social services.
Millie Alec George will be in charge of the fisheries portfolio, health care will be Clara Williams and Verna Powers will take over natural resources. Darcy Dennis will be responsible for treaty liaison and culture recreation, and housing will be taken over by Derrick MacDonald.
During the ceremony, chief Adam said he expects “an emotional inquest” to be held in Burns Lake these next few weeks. The inquest will examine the circumstances of the deaths of two workers after the explosion at Babine Forest Products in 2012.
Chief Adam added that the new elected council have a week of training and lots of work ahead.