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Three leaders from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nations now hold top positions with the First Nations Summit, the group that speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in BC.
Chief Doug White III – Kwalasultan – of Snuneymuxw was elected to the Summit’s political executive in early June. He joins Grand Chief Edward John – Akile Ch’oh – of Tl’azt’en Nation and Dan Smith – Haliakalas – of Laich-Kwil-Tach Nation. John is serving his ninth term on the executive and Smith his second.
The way was opened for White’s election when Grand Chief Doug Kelly wrote an open letter in which he said he would not be running again. "Our communities are electing younger, university educated, leaders that practice our ancestral ways. It is now time for these young leaders to step forward and take their proper place in the Leadership Council," he wrote.
In a late-May interview with the Vancouver Sun, Kelly said: "In many respects, I think we've lost our way" speaking of the First Nations Leadership Council that heads the Summit.
"I think it's time for some of the younger leaders to step up, to join the Leadership Council, to take the work, the challenges, the opportunities and move them forward."
White was elected chief of Snuneymuxw last year. He has a BA (with distinction) in First Nations Studies from Vancouver Island University and an LLB (law degree) from the University of Victoria.
Meanwhile, Leah George-Wilson – Sisi-ya-ama – of Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Ray Harris – Shulqwilum – Stz’uminus Nation were acclaimed as co-chairs of the Summit. It is George-Wilson’s fourth term and. Harris’ second term. The co-chairs are responsible for chairing First Nations Summit meetings as well as the Summit’s administration and day-to-day operations.
