The Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band is struggling to find candidates to fill a vacant councillor position. Their byelection has now been put on hold.
Although a nomination meeting was held on Aug. 20 at the Nee Tahi Buhn’s band office, no candidates were “properly nominated and seconded,” according to electoral officer Lawrence Lewis.
“It was decided in consultation with the band that the most efficient and cost-effective next step was to extend the vote period/date, and allow for nominations and seconds to be filed using a prescribed form and process via fax or email,” explained Lewis.
The byelection period/date was then extended to Sept. 23, 2017. However, the online nomination was not successful either.
“We thought that maybe holding a nomination where members can send the nominations online would assist members in the process,” said Debbie West, Nee Tahi Buhn’s general manager. “For now, the election process is not going to be moving forward.”
Nee Tahi Buhn council will now schedule a meeting to discuss their next steps.
“We will advise again after a meeting is held to discuss the process,” said West.
The byelection will seek to replace councillor Hayley Neilsen, who has recently resigned. The current term ends in November 2018.
Nee Tahi Buhn’s current council consists of Chief Ray Morris, Deputy Chief Cody Reid and councillor Patricia Prince. Nee Tahi Buhn held a byelection last March after Charity Morris resigned to devote more time to her baby and family. Patricia Prince became the new councillor after receiving 12 votes.
Nee Tahi Buhn has a total registered population of 135, with 55 living on reserve.
For more information, contact electoral officer Lawrence Lewis at 250-889-1582 or lewis.l@telus.net, or visit https://onefeather.ca/nations/neetahibuhn.
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