THE Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver has a new chief and a new, larger council following a band election April 2.
Maureen Thomas is the new chief of the First Nation, winning her position with 111 votes over her closest challenger, Carleen Thomas, who garnered 66 votes.
Maureen Thomas is no stranger to the chief's position. She previously led the nation as chief from 2003 to 2004 and was on the most recent council.
Justin George, who was the previous chief of the Tsleil-Waututh, did not run in the election. George said it was a great honour to serve his community. But after four years as chief and eight years on council, in addition to having a young family, George said he needed to step back.
A crowded field of 19 candidates put their names forward for band council. Of those, the five elected were Jen Thomas, Liana Martin, Travis George, Charlene Aleck and Deanna George.
Martin and Jen Thomas both served on the previous council.
This council is also bigger than the previous council. Election rules that govern the Tsleil-Waututh stipulate there should be one council position for every 100 band members. Since the last election, the nation's population has edged up over 500, so an additional council position was created.
Two hundred people cast ballots in the election. The council sits for a two-year term, which will end March 31, 2015.
