The Katzie First Nation in Pitt Meadows now has a leader for the next two years.
After stepping in as chief in October to replace Ed Pierre, who resigned in August, Chief Susan Miller this week was named band leader for the next two years.
Seven other candidates were nominated for the position, but all declined, leaving the position to be filled by acclamation.
Miller said she was shocked but “excited to keep doing this work.
“It’s a pretty unique opportunity to be part of this.”
She was first elected in October, in a runoff vote, winning the position on an interim basis until the new year.
During that election, she won 79 votes over Peter A. James, who received 69 ballots.
Elections to fill the three seats on council take place March 1.
Miller said she wants to keep several projects underway on the reserve and is working on a new election code for band councillors to make them more accountable.
She’s also working on a one-year strategy plan for the band and continues to press for completion of treaty negotiations.
That process is currently at Stage 4, with an agreement in principle, and is now awaiting response from senior governments.
Soil preloading is underway in preparation for construction this spring of the $4.3- million Katzie Health and Community Building.
That should be done by next spring. The project is funded by $2.1 million from Health Canada with the balance from Katzie First Nation Resources.