The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation (TFN) held a swearing-in ceremony for its new councillors on Thursday, March 6.
Kaitlyn Dixon, the TFN's communications coordinator, said that Kukpi7 Helen Henderson was joined by councillors Edward Dixon, Joseph Archie and Maryanne Archie in welcoming the newly elected Brent Dixon, Lesley Paul, and Braeden Emile to council. She noted that the TFN is excited to see what happens in the coming years with these strong men and women in leadership roles.
"Anticipating the journey of the newly elected council, the excitement surrounding the change is electric," Dixon said. "TFN is happy with the newly elected council members who will take part in the people’s joys, sorrows, and struggles."
During the ceremony, TFN elders gave an opening prayer and spoke of the importance of the role of councillor for the community. Elder and language speaker Elizabeth Pete outlined the qualities that make a good leader.
“What the leader does; well-being of the people, decides what to do, listens to the people, gets to be seen with the people, dances and sings with the people, mourns/grieves with the people who have lost somebody and celebrates with the people," Pete said.
Following a dinner catered by the Red Rock Grill, the councillors who still have two years left in their terms made speeches of their own. Edward Dixon noted that Emile is one of the first members of the Emile family to serve on council. He charged the new councillors with taking up the torch the outgoing councillors were passing to them.
Coun. Maryanne Archie took the opportunity to praise outgoing councillor Delores Archie specifically.
“Delores always carried her heart, your heart with her, she took it very seriously," Archie said. "I just want to acknowledge all the hard work she did.”
Henderson also joined Archie in praising Delores for all the hard work and "wonderful wisdom" she has provided the community. Dixon noted that strong women are leading the way at TFN and forging strength in the future generations of the community.
At the end of the ceremony, the newly sworn-in councillors addressed those in attendance. Emile, who Dixon describes as a strong advocate for traditional land use and who works closely with the community's elders on the land, thanked the community for electing him as councillor.
Brent Dixon, meanwhile, who moved back to the TFN a little over a year ago with his family, also thanked everyone who came out to the ceremony and who voted for him. He noted he is happy to be home and serve his community.
"I wanted to start off by saying thank you to everyone for coming out; I’m very proud to be standing beside two amazing men and warriors and great leaders of this community,” Paul, who works with supporting TFN families and youth, said.
Dixon said the TFN would like to thank all the outgoing councillors and wish them success in their future endeavours while welcoming the new councillors as they step up to take care of the community.
"There is so much to be excited for as new council members join the table," Dixon noted.
