Tk’emlups Indian Band Chief and Council sworn in
For Immediate Release
Tk’emlups Indian Band Chief and Council sworn in
Kamloops, BC (November 26, 2009) – It was an emotional night at the Tk’emlups Indian Band (TIB) as they said goodbye to the departing Council members and welcomed the new ones.
This month the TIB had its Chief and Council elections which saw four new council members join the team while Chief Shane Gottfriedson, and Councillors Connie Leonard, Fred Seymour and Evelyn Camille were re-elected. New members named to Council included George Casimir, Rosanne Casimir, Dolan Paul and Jeanette Jules.
The evening started out with a prayer and a traditional first nations smudging ceremony followed by a presentation of appreciation to the outgoing Councillors. Finally the Chief and Council took their oath of office which was presented by former TIB Chief, Commissioner Bonnie Leonard and were officially sworn in.
Most importantly the council members declared the new portfolios that they will be taking on for the duration of their time in office. The designations are as follows:
Chief Shane Gottfriedson – Public Relations and External Affairs as well as Social Development and Community Wellness.
Councillor Connie Leonard – Shared Services (primary)
Councillor Fred Seymour – Planning and Engineering (primary)
Councillor Evelyn Camille – Housing (primary)
Councillor George Casimir – Business Development (primary)
Councillor Jeanette Jules – Cultural Resource Management and Justice (primary)
Councillor Roasanne Casimir – Lands, Leasing and Taxation (primary)
Councillor Dolan Paul – Education (primary)
Tears of both joy and sadness were shed as the night paid tribute to those who are responsible for the everyday decision making of the Band.
The new Chief and Council are excited for the challenges ahead and are eager to continue to work on making the band one of the strongest and most progressive in the nation.
Kelley O’Grady
Communications and Events Coordinator
Kamloops Indian Band
(250) 828-9780
kogrady@kib.ca
