By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Blood Tribe welcomes new chief, councillors during swearing-in ceremony

Nov 25, 2016 | 3:13 PM

STAND OFF – A new chief and twelve councillors were welcomed into their roles on the Blood Tribe during Friday’s (Nov. 25) swearing-in ceremony.

All walked in to the sound of drums and cheers from the crowd during a welcoming ceremony, and were then given sashes as each were sworn in.

Roy Fox, voted in as Chief during the November 23 election, replaces outgoing Charles Weasel Head, who was first elected Chief in 2012 and re-elected in two successive Tribal elections.

Fox also served as chief from 1980 to 1996 before retiring from council. He’s now joined by the following councillors (the letter “I” indicates an incumbent):

– Floyd Peter Big Head
– Joanne Lemieux
– Dorothy Theresa First Rider
– Lance Allen Tail Feathers (I)
– Marcel Patrick Weasel Head (I)
– Timothy Allen Tail Feathers
– Kirby Dean Many Fingers
– Martin Heavy Head
– Kyla Deann Crow Spreads His Wings
– Franklyn White Quills (I)
– Leanne Robin Little Bear
– Henry Shade
 
Floyd Peter Big Head, who received the most votes of any councillor during the 2016 election, is ready to unite with all of his collegues to create a peaceful tribe.
 
“I feel being a tribal leader is very sacred. You have to honour it, you have to live it. I believe if we have good leaders we can look up to, our people will start trying better… It’s take a community to make the community better.”
 
His big plans include developing a care centre to address an on-going fentanyl crisis, and keep Blackfoot language and culture at the forefront. Overall, Big Head is looking forward coming together with his community.
 
“We need to unite as a tribe. That’s the only way our tribe is going to progress. We are a powerful tribe, we are the biggest, and I want to be the best tribe in Canada,” he added.
 
Leanne Robin Little Bear shared much of the same sentiment, feeling particularly that it’s a time of great voter support for the Blood Tribe Chief and Council.
 
She says her focus is set on good governance, but some adjustments may be needed to get council on track with a more unified approach. She’s placed an emphasis on poverty reduction and resource protection, as well.
 
In regard to tackling major community issues, Little Bear thinks approaching the community with open dialogue is key.
 
“The community is really responding to these issues and saying, ‘we need to do something.’ We need to figure out how we can incorporate their ideas to move forward because if we want to be effective, we have to talk to the people that we serve.”
 

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024