Editor,
Please allow me to share some thoughts with you regarding the upcoming district council election.
First, I want to acknowledge all candidates who have put their name forward for positions; I know firsthand the criticism that follows and have nothing but respect for you. To put yourself out in public for judgment and scrutiny is courageous and often changes your life. I wish you all the best and look forward to working with you soon.
I would also like to offer Mayor, council, and district office staff an opportunity to sit with me and learn about a part of our past. I am willing to fund cultural sensitivity training if you will participate. I believe we can begin reconciliation with education and awareness and move all our pressing issues forward in a safe way.
I also want to take the opportunity to introduce and wish best of luck to Steven Patterson in the upcoming District of Hope council election. Steven has been an instrumental part of change seen within Yale First Nation. Steven works for Yale First Nation in our natural resource and economic development departments, and our business and personal relationship has grown to a level of trust where Steven has full authority to speak on my behalf in all levels of government. I have full confidence he would be a great addition to the District of Hope.
As most of you are aware, the town of Hope sits on an ancient village belonging to Chawathil First Nation. I believe it’s time we start acknowledging this and work together to honor and preserve the history this town boasts of. I have many ideas for this and looking forward to sharing them.
I also want to thank Yale First Nation membership for their confidence and support in my re-election on Sept. 7, 2018 for a five year term. Additionally, I want to acknowledge councilman Pedro Moreno for his re-election, and newly elected councilman Dominic Hope, also for five year terms. We have an amazing group of people in Yale First Nation’s office who work every day to uphold a high level of service to our members and I thank them for their dedication, as often in any community, the day doesn’t end at five p.m.
Good luck to all candidates and looking forward to working with you.
Ken Hansen, Chief
Yale First Nation