$1.00 + HST Vol. 27 | No. 6 Thursday, March 17, 2011
Elected to his first term as Chief Councilor of the Nuxalk Nation, Andrew Andy celebrates with his mother Roseanne
Andrew Andy elected as Chief Councilor of the Nuxalk Nation Community members gathered at Nuxalk Hall on Tuesday night to witness the election of Andrew Andy as Chief Councilor of the Nuxalk Nation. There were three candidates running: incumbent Spencer Siwallace (who served two terms since 2007), Andrew Andy, and Peter Tallio. It was a tense night for the three candidates as the votes
were tallied, but ultimately Andy was victorious, elected for his first term as Chief Councilor. Andy received 242 votes, Siwallace 153, and Tallio 124. More than 500 votes were cast and the youth vote reportedly played a bigger role this year. Siwallace served two terms and accomplished much during that time, including the construction of a new band
office, extensive renovations to Acwsalcta School, and the historic signing of the Coastal Reconciliation Protocol just last December. During the election many people expressed the desire to see a continuity of the numerous projects started by the last chief councilor even if there was a change in leadership. Mandatory elections every two years do not
allow much time to establish projects, and this has been a bone of contention in the community for many years. Communication was another hot button issue among voters, along with employment, education, culture and language preservation. With so many issues vying for his attention Andy is certainly up for a demanding term.
Twelve councilors were also elected from a roster of over thirty nominees. James Mack, Samuel Schooner, Terry Windsor, Larry Moody Jr., Kiana Tallio, Marshall Hans, Harvey Mack, Marvin Mack, Ken Morton, Blair Mack, Billy Andy Jr., and Richard Hall will sit on council for the upcoming two-year term.