The newly elected Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) chief and council were officially sworn in on Tuesday in a ceremony at the band hall.
Master of ceremonies Candace Campos welcomed the community, guests and visitors before turning over the mike to outgoing chief Marita Paul-Franke.
Paul-Franke congratulated new chief Garry Feschuk and council members Wesley Jeffries, Tom Paul, Jordan Louie and Robert Joe on their respective wins and added she had every confidence they would do good work in taking the Sechelt Nation forward during their term. Paul-Franke said it's an exciting, interesting and busy time for the SIB and the many significant projects that are ongoing or about to take place.
"I hand over the reins to Garry and congratulate him on becoming chief," she said.
Each member of council swore to uphold the honour, dignity, values and direction given to them by their community with respect and in trust. The signing of the official documents was witnessed by members selected from the congregation, including guest Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons who said he was honoured.
Feschuk told the membership gathered that he was happy the "community is coming together culturally and spiritually." He said it wasn't that long ago that instead of a Sechelt Nation ceremony, new council members wore sworn in by a Catholic priest.
"Now it is through our people," he said.
Feschuk said in anticipation of the heavy work load and long hours council members will be putting in, "I want to acknowledge our families," because he said without their support and patience, it would be an even harder job. Feschuk said some of the projects already on the go are the strategic land use plan, housing and a new community centre that he thanked Simons for advocating on behalf of the SIB with the government for funding. However, even with a significant number of projects on the go, Feschuk said one of the first items on the agenda is for council to come together with the community for direction in its priorities and where it wants chief and council to dedicate their energies.
