The BC Assembly of First Nations Re-elects Jody Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas) as Regional Chief in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, Nov. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Jody Wilson-Raybould of the We Wai Kai First Nation was re-elected BC Regional Chief for the BC Assembly of First Nations today at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver during the BCAFN Annual General Meeting. Jody Wilson-Raybould won on the first ballot garnering seventy eight percent of the vote.

Results of 1^st Ballot

162 total ballots cast.
Jody Wilson-Raybould (incumbent) 126 (78%)
Shana Manson 25 (15%)
Marjorie McRae 11 (7%)

Jody Wilson-Raybould, whose traditional name is Puglaas, comes from the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach Peoples of Northern Vancouver Island. She is a citizen and a council member for We Wai Kai Nation, where she lives with her husband, Tim, at Cape Mudge Village, Quadra Island, BC. In 2009, Jody Wilson-Raybould ran for Regional Chief on a platform which laid out a four-pillar action plan. Over the past four years, the BCAFN has worked to implement this plan and during the election campaign, she vowed to continue with the plan if re-elected to a second term. The plan focusses on four key and interrelated areas: (1) strong and appropriate governance, (2) fair access to lands and resources, (3) improved education, and (4) individual health.

"I am very honoured and humbled that the Chiefs have re-confirmed with such strength the work of the BCAFN and the Building on OUR Success Action Plan," stated the Regional Chief.

"For our region this is especially powerful because it says to other regions of the AFN and to Canada and the Province that we are unified in our resolve to implement our Aboriginal title and rights, including treaty rights, and that we have as Nations been developing our own solutions and will continue to support each other in this work."

The BCAFN is a Political Territorial Organization (PTO) whose members are the 203 First Nations in British Columbia. The BCAFN represents First Nations involved in the treaty process and those that have chosen not to engage. In addition, the modern and historic treaty First Nations of BC are also members, which include the Nisga'a Nation, and the Douglas and Treaty 8 First Nations. The Regional Chief provides the political leadership and strategic direction for the BCAFN, and this role is a three-year term, elected by the Chiefs of BC First Nations.

As a member of the National AFN Executive Committee, the elected Regional Chief  works to ensure that the perspectives of BC Chiefs are included in National political discussions and decision-making. The Regional Chief also holds specific portfolios, as assigned by the National Chief, dealing with national policy issues and concerns. The Regional Chief hosts regional BCAFN assemblies that allow for the First Nations leadership of BC to engage in open socio-political discussions in order to direct the Regional Chief and help ensure that the mandate of the Regional Chief is community-driven.  The Regional Chief sits with leadership from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) and the First Nations Summit (FNS) as a member of the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) in BC.

In addition to the election for Regional Chief, the BCAFN held elections for 3 Director positions on the BCAFN Board of Directors and for the BCAFN Women's Council Representative.  The BCAFN is pleased to welcome Chief Nelson Leon, Chief Liz Logan, and Chief Bruce Underwood as newly elected members of the BCAFN Board of Directors, and Chief Glenda Campbell as the new Women's Council Representative.

SOURCE: BC Assembly of First Nations