The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation held by-elections for its council last month.
Members of the community went to the polls on Jan. 18 2025 to vote for 10 different candidates competing for three of the six councillor seats for band council. Tsq̓éscen̓ communications coordinator Kaitlyn Dixon said that in recent years the community is embracing reformation and change and this election was no different.
A total of 172 votes were cast out of 468 eligible voters with Brent Dixon receiving 104 votes and Lesley Paul receiving 70, making them both councillors-elect. Candidates Braeden Emile and Michael Archie tied with 56 votes each requiring a tie-breaking by-election on Jan. 26. Emile ultimately emerged the victor in this rematch receiving 100 votes of the 193 votes cast.
Other candidates who ran but fell short included Jesse Archie who received 53 votes, Shayla Rosette who received 52 votes, Ryan Christopher who received 49 votes, Colby Henderson who received 35 votes and Gabriel Roy Christopher who received 23 votes.
"This year's elections have brought a younger generation ready to show their support for the people, education and experience from a wide array of fields, and fresher perspectives," Dixon said. "Brent Dixon is the out-of-community candidate, garnering 60 per cent of all votes collectively."
Brent Dixon, Paul and Emile will join the current council members including Kúkpi7 (chief) Helen Henderson and councillors Joseph A. Archie, Maryanne Archie and Edward Dixon. They all still have two years remaining in their four-year terms.
Henderson said she and the rest of the council are excited to welcome these new councillors and their respective expertise to the table.
"We have been consistently achieving above and beyond our goals toward our vision of a politically and financially independent community rich in our culture and traditions. We continue to strategize with our hearts and spirits for the future generations," Henderson said. "It is our sacred responsibility as Secwepemc to pass on our knowledge and teachings, having fresh perspectives from the younger generations will allow us to align with our values, to support and guide the exciting work of our Nation in a good way. We welcome each of them with open minds for what they will bring to the table.”
The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation is currently waiting for a 30-day appeal window to close. Once it does they will schedule a swearing-in ceremony and the councillor-elects four-year term on the TFN council will begin.
