Tseshaht First Nation has a new chief councillor. Hugh Braker was chosen after the newly-elected council was sworn in during a ceremony held May 23 at Tseshaht Cultural Centre. Other councillors are Dennis Bill, Debra Foxcroft, Boyd Gallic, John Gomez, Eunice Joe, Janice Johnson, Gina Pearson, and Les Sam.
The evening began with a prayer chant by Anne Robinson, and a blessing of the floor with eagle down was conducted by Aaron Watts and Ken Watts. A welcome was provided by Leisa Fred, the young outgoing councillor who chose not to let her name stand for re-election, and Irene Robinson, the Alberni Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
Photos of councillors: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/tseshaht-council-sworn-office
She acknowledged the witnesses to the event, among them Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s President Cliff Atleo, Vice-president Priscilla Sabbas-Watts and Huu-ay-aht Ha’wilth Jeff Cook. Helen Dick provided a prayer and Elder Kathy Robinson in her traditional language spoke to the council-elect about the role of the Tseshaht council, how to conduct themselves and how they should work for the community.
Late chief Adam Shewish’s headdress song was sung.
Watchman was Martin Watts and he led each individual to stand before the gathering to take their oath of office. The councillors promised to put the Tseshaht Nation and its people ahead of their own interests or the interest of any other individual. They promised to exercise their power and responsibility to the best of their abilities.
After each councillor was sworn, Anne Robinson congratulated them and spoke for Tseshaht Ha'wiih Albert Clutesi. She said he was very happy with the council, reminding the councillors that they were in their positions to to take care of Tseshaht business not only for the people, but with the people.
Clutesi said through Robinson that the new council was responsible for taking care of Tshshaht resources, for looking ahead in time for the future children and grandchildren to come. And he said, remember that each of them is family.
“So many serious hearts and minds sitting here,” said Robinson. “It is a good thing.”
Returning Councillor Dennis Bill said it was the usual practice of council to caucus in private and choose a chief councillor, but the new council wanted to do this task before witnesses. Names were put forward and in a secret ballot Hugh Braker, a lawyer by trade, was selected for the position.
Through spokesperson Aaron Watts, Braker told the gathering that he was deeply honored with the faith the people have put in him. For the council and the community, Braker promised to do the best job possible for the people.
Councillor Les Sam, who held the position of chief councillor for eight years, said it had been a pleasure to serve the people during that time, and it will continue to be a pleasure working to advance Tseshaht into the future. He said he looked forward to the coming challenges and working with the new council.
The evening ended with celebratory songs and dances.
