Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Chiefs Elect New Tribal Chief
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Chiefs Elect New Tribal Chief
The Chiefs of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (“SNTC”) voted overwhelming in favor of Chief Shane Gottfriedson being elected as the new Tribal Chief for the organization. Chief Shane Gottfriedson, the Chief of the Tk’emlups Indian Band, ran against Chief Michael LeBourdais of the Whispering Pines Indian Band in the election and will be replacing Chief Wayne Christian of the Splatsin First Nation as the Tribal Chief and spokesperson for the Tribal Council. Chief Shane Gottfriedson has many years of political experience and will be taking office in this additional role immediately.
SNTC was formed in 1980 by the Secwepemc Chiefs to advance the issues of aboriginal rights. It's a political organization, working on matters of common concern, including the development of self-government and the settlement of the aboriginal land title question. SNTC also works to establish agreements, with the provincial and federal governments and with the private sector, that recognize and respect Secwepemc aboriginal rights and title.
After the election results were announced, Chief Shane Gottfriedson stated “I want to thank Chief Wayne Christian for dedicating 6 years of service as a leader of the Tribal Council and I am honored to be the new representative for SNTC as Tribal Chief. I am looking forward to advancing collective and unified approaches to Nation issues. Secwepemc traditional values and culture will be my grounding principles for advancing the interests of our 9 Secwepemc Bands and I look forward to the challenge.”
“I’m also looking forward to reaching out to government on behalf of our communities to engage in discussions that are designed to strategically implement the reconciliation objectives of our communities.” said Chief Shane Gottfriedson.
Chief Wayne Christian congratulated the newly elected leader by stating “Chief Shane Gottfriedson has demonstrated through his determination and leadership that he is the right man for this position and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
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For more information contact:
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Chief S. Gottfriedson, Tribal Chief (250-318-8527)
