Submitted by Kristen Rivers - Running for Council

What qualifies you to be on council?

I have spent the last five years dedicated to a charitable organization that I co-founded called Reconciliation Canada. Because we were such a little team in the beginning, I had multiple roles within the organization. I have dealt with financial statements, strategic planning, marketing, communications, fundraising, governmental relations and senior level management. We held two Walks for Reconciliation in Vancouver, which drew tens of thousands of people. Currently, I play a more off hands role with the organization as their Sr. Advisor.

What does it mean to be on Chiefs and Council and represent the community?

It means being accountable to our people regardless of circumstance, situation or opinion. Members have the right to be heard, and their wishes acted upon faithfully. My driving force around this election season is “no decisions about us, without us.” For too long decisions about our land, finances, and governance have been made without meaningful input.

It also means ensuring that our people that are under-represented have their needs met by their elected officials. In reaching out to the community, I have heard how much our elders feel left behind, how our young students are not getting access to all of the opportunities they deserve, and how rampant discrimination is towards our off-reserve membership. Council has the power and authority to change these circumstances immediately. As a councilor, this would be my priority - ensuring all voices are heard, represented and acted upon faithfully.

What are your feelings with regards to the Governance Manual? What were good points and bad points? Please provide examples.

I would like to start off by saying that I wholeheartedly support the development of a governance manual, but I do not agree with the process used to create the manual in its current state. Membership has voiced their concerns about lack of consultation, transparency, and accountability and I agree. In my opinion, it is a conflict to create your own job description, duties and compensation.

If elected, I would make it a priority to advocate for a governance manual that is membership-driven.

What are your thoughts on the draft Election Law? Good or bad points you noticed? Please provide examples.

It is hard for me to find bad points with the draft Election Law because it voices the wants and needs of membership. Our Election Commission did a thorough job of consulting community through various avenues. The points of the law that I’m most excited about are the reduction of council size, ending discrimination towards our off-reserve members, and rules & regulations around Chiefs and Council. I believe that this Election Law gives some form of power back to the people, which is why I’m so disappointed it did not go to a referendum.

Do you know of any issues that currently affect Squamish Nation? This can be internal or external issues.

The main issue for me is the lack of trust our membership have in council. We have lost confidence in our council, and it is time to have representatives who act on our needs and wants. Our population is full of wisdom and talent, yet our council does not reach out to the community for guidance. Much can be achieved if membership is given the opportunity to have an active role in the direction of the nation.

Another striking issue to me is the lack of women representation at the council table. Women make up over half the population yet our current council is only made up of 1/3 women. I would like to see that change this election.

On top of those two issues, we have the urgency to deal with resource extraction (LNG, Kinder Morgan) and bringing home our families that live off reserve.

Do you believe enough is being done for our elders and youth?

On an administration level, I support the dedicated people working for our elders and youth. On a governmental level, I believe the voices or our elders and youth are being under-represented. There is much wisdom and innovation that is not being utilized if we do not include these voices at the table.

How could you help the community trust Chief and Council again?

Something that is important to me is that you do what you say. So often, during election time we hear councilors commit to open communication, yet once elected that promise disappears. In my conversations with membership, communication is of the utmost importance in establishing the broken trust that exists.

I commit to communicating with membership. On an individual level, I will do this through social media and newsletters. If enough like-minded people get elected, I believe it is possible for a motion to be passed to live stream meetings, provide regular council updates on our website, engage through social media and text, and remove barriers that exist to getting on the council agenda & viewing passed motions.

What is your community involvement (pertaining ONLY to Squamish Nation community)?

ü  Dedicated Squamish language learner.

ü  Organized pride parade floats for our nation members to participate in.

ü  Part of a dance group.

ü  Travelled on several canoe journeys.

What are you hoping to accomplish (besides housing!) once elected?

My main concerns are:

An audit – to ensure no further wrongdoing has been done, and if it has that charges are laid.

Governance Manual – consult membership on the document. If need be, start fresh. If not, figure out how the manual can accurately reflect the will of the people.

Election Reform – so much work has been done on this topic, our people deserve the right to have their say through a referendum.

Distribution of power – In my opinion, the top people in administration and a few councilors hold a majority of power in the nation. It is time power is given back to the people.

Jobs – we need to remove barriers to access that currently exist for membership in obtaining a job with the nation. We have many qualified members who are eager to give back to the nation – it is time we give them that opportunity.

Do you agree with your possible $80,000 annual salary?

I definitely do not agree with the salary. Council costs need to be drastically lowered immediately.