The Lower Nicola Indian Band is looking for a new executive director to replace Helder Ponte, who is retiring after 35 years of working in administrative positions with First Nations bands.

“We’ve been so lucky to have him and the plan is for him to leave at the end of March. We’re going to be sad to see him go; he’s done some great things for this community and now the search is on to find a qualified executive director who can move us forward the next two years or even longer,” said Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief Aaron Sam.

Ponte joined the Lower Nicola Band as its executive director in 2014, after 32 years with the Ktunaxa Nation in Cranbrook, B.C.

On June 16, 2016 in Parkville, B.C., the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) presented him with the fourth Band Administrator Recognition award.

“He’s somebody our community members feel comfortable going to and talking about their concerns,” Sam said.

“We’re really going to miss him.”