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Grace George re-elected as Katzie First Nation chief

Byelection to determine third councillor after tie leaves the result undecided
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Grace George will serve as the First Nation’s chief for the 2022-2024 term. (The News files)

Katzie First Nation held their band elections earlier this week and re-elected Grace George as their Chief.

The nation held their general election on Feb. 27, with a total of 265 votes being cast, out of the 445 eligible voters. Incumbent Grace George, won the re-election against past chief Susan Miller. Miller received a total of 115 votes, while George won with 150 votes.

Upon winning, George said, “Last night I was re-elected to serve the 2022-2024 term as Katzie First Nation Chief. I am honoured to stand and be the voice for our people. I will continue to strive for the best interests just as I have the last four years. There is much work to be continued and I will walk humbly as we carry forward.”

She also wished Susan Miller “the best of luck in her future endeavours” and extended congratulations to the re-elected councillors Rick Bailey, and Lisa Adams.

For the three councillor positions, Lisa Adams received the highest votes at 177, followed by Rick Bailey with 163 votes. Both, Adams and Bailey have been re-elected to the council. For the third councillor position, Alissa Bailey and David Kenworthy tied at 121 votes. This has prompted the nation to announce a byelection for the third councillor position and at this time the position will remain vacant.

George wished both the candidates best of luck for the byelections.

“We are heading to byelection for our third [councillor] as councillor David Kenworthy and candidate Alissa Bailey tied votes. Thank you to all the candidates that came forward. This is not an easy role to carry in any way. Your desire to serve our people is appreciated. Know that you are critical part of our community and remain leaders in your journey,” she said.

Of the other candidates who stood for the councillor positions, Crystal-Lee Groves received 117 votes, followed by Coleen Pierre at 40 votes and Connie Bailey at 26.

A total of two ballots were rejected for the chief votes and three for councillor votes.

The byelection will be held on March 27.

ALSO READ: Candidates for Chief talk about why election is important for the Katzie First Nation

ALSO READ: Katzie First Nation mark Pink Shirt Day with Honk Parade


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Priyanka Ketkar

About the Author: Priyanka Ketkar

Priyanka Ketkar has been a journalist since 2011 with extensive experience in community-driven news writing, feature writing, and editing.
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