The race for Council and Chief in the Lower Nicola Indian Band has come to an end, with results being released by Chief Electoral Officer Drew Shaw.
Voters re-elected all incumbents in a crowded field of candidates, including 18 for council and three for Chief. Stuart Jackson won another term as chief, while incumbent Councillors William Bose, Connie Joe, William Sandy, Lucinda Seward, and Robin Humphrey also secured another three year mandate. To complete the full slate of seven councillors, they are joined by Arthur Dick and Lesley Manuel who filled the two seats left by Spence Coutlee and Aaron Sumexheltza. Coutlee was barred from running again after being removed from office for violating LNIB policy, while Sumexheltza chose not to seek reelection.
The full results are as follows, in ballot order:
CHIEF:
ANTOINE, LEONA MARIE – 94
JACKSON, STUART – 182
STERLING, ROBERT JR. 102
COUNCIL:
BEARSHIRT, WENONA – 94
JOE, CHARLENE – 86
BOSE, WILLIAM – 189
JOE, CONNIE – 172
CLAYTON, DAVID – 45
LAFFERTY, JOANNE – 115
COUTLEE, GEORGE – 58
MANUEL, LESLEY -179
COUTLEE, LARA – 80
PARE, LAINE – 100
COUTLEE, MARY JUNE – 136
PINYON, TODD (TJ) – 53
DAWSON, ASHLEIGH – 77
SANDY, WILLIAM – 165
DICK, ARTHUR – 158
SEWARD, LUCINDA – 181
HUMPHREY, ROBIN – 201
SWAKUM, SHAWN – 58
A total of 381 ballots were cast for both Chief and Council. Voter turnout numbers are still being calculated. The newly elected Chief and Council will serve a three year term ending in 2025. Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of the month commencing at 5 PM, at the Lower Nicola Band Office.
For more information on LNIB, including Chief and Council, visit the band’s website at www.lnib.net.