Submitted by Leoni Rivers - Running for Council
Referring to the draft Election Law
document (I know it wasn’t passed), would there be a reason you would not be
eligible to run under those candidate requirements?
Such as…
·
Not
in good standing with Squamish Nation (you owe Squamish Nation money)?
No
·
You
have declared bankruptcy within the last two years?
No
·
You
committed an indictable offence (includes assault, theft, fraud or bribery)
within the last 10 years.
No
·
You
got a DUI in the last 10 years?
No
I have been in leadership roles in the past as per my Candidate Profile on-line I have several years of experience working on volunteering boards. Further, I have ample experience and expertise in First nations Governance.
Do you know of any issues that currently effect Squamish Nation? This can be internal or external issues.
What does
it mean to be on Chief and Council and represent the community?
Representing the People for the People.
What are
your feelings with regards to the Governance Manual? What were its good points and bad points? Please provide examples .
My assessment of the Governance Manual as shared with you at a previous face to face meeting is that there are good ideas in the document but some sections conflict with each other. It appears that there is two differenct trends or themes in the document. It looks like few differenct wiorters participated in the draft and then changes were made quickly on some text.This draft manual needs to be presented to the SN membership for final review and consideration and feedback to finalize the document to make it law. Further, the new council will need to review it and add comment as well prior to recommendation to te general membership.
What are
your thoughts on the draft Election Law?
Good or bad points that you noticed?
Please provide examples.
Similar to my previous answer, the intent of the election law is good but again its a draft and we need to have the Squamish Nation membership take ownership of it and review and recommend change.
Internal Issues:
a.
Communications
Plan – For the People to the People
b.
Duty to consult
– Leadership needs to have duly convened general membership meetings quarterly
c.
Restore Trust-
Breach of Trust- Leadership has not dealt with 2 Councillors taking 6.2 million
dollars from SN General Revenues, no accountability nor transparency, nor
responsibility.
d.
Obstruction of
Justice- not addressing SN Membership needs just suppressing the people.
External Issues:
a.
Perception of a
weak SN Leadership Team
b.
Infighting
amongst the SN Leadership
c.
Lack of SN
Board experience and skill sets to achieve resolutions to issues and tasks
d. Lack of understanding on specific SN issues and or
not being prepared to provide knowledgeable decisions on important SN community
issues and policies.
Do you
believe enough is being done for our elders and youth?
No! Elders need to
participate in programs they want not what SN administration thinks is best for
them! Some Elders are embarrassed to
participate in existing programs as they are treated like they do not
belong! My Platform includes empowering
our Elders, I think we should respect our Elders more and be patient and be
understanding when rolling out new programs
How could
you help the community trust Chief and Council again?
I would have quarterly
meetings with the general membership to provide them with the hard work that is
being conducted within the community. Restore the trust, by utilizing an active
communications plan and having our members in all jobs at the band office.
What is
your community involvement (pertaining ONLY to Squamish Nation community)?
I have participated on
the Chemical Hazards Alert Committee in respect to BC Rail/CN. Also, on the
volunteer SN committees like Housing, Education and Constitution. Further, I
have participated in SN General meetings since 1976.
What are
you hoping to accomplish (besides housing!) once elected?
Support our Nation
Members in Small Business, empower Elders, and protect our Lands. To evaluate
and assess SN Administrative and Governance Manual Policies to recommend change
and seek a mandate from the SN Membership.
As per my platform, I
have a four-year plan; build multi homes, 4plexes for Elders, with a Health
Centre within walking distance in Squamish and North Vancouver. Increase Business and Economic Development
Partnerships to have a money stream to pay for the housing plan with assistance
of CHMC and AANAC. Increase Employment & Training for Women and Youth to
ensure better paying job opportunities possible apprenticeships where required.
Revive a Communications Plan and develop a meaningful effective Community
Plans. I would need the four- year term to
complete these work tasks as nothing will happen overnight.
Do you agree with your possible $80,000 annual salary?
Not really.My thoughts
vary on this point, but the bottom line is that individuals should be paid for
the experience and knowledge they bring to the table. Like meeting qualifications
for any employment opportunity achieving the goal of having the best person for
the job based on experience, skill sets and suitability! Like a Team Player, Strong Interpersonal
skills, willing to debate respectfully and address important issues keeping in
mind its for all the people for the people each time at the SN Council
Table.
I agree , the councillors we hire need to be able to step up to the challenges of the job, be very literate in reading and comprehension, educated, have integrity, approachable and a good listener. Commitment to their job and the members , good work justifies a good salary.
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