Jody Wilson-Raybould of the We Wai Kai First Nation on Quadra Island has been re-elected Regional Chief for the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) at the group’s AGM in Vancouver.
Wilson-Raybould, whose traditional name is Puglaas and who lives at Cape Mudge Village, won on the first ballot with 78 per cent support.
She was challenged by two other women.
“I am very honoured and humbled that the chiefs have reconfirmed with such strength the work of the BCAFN and the building on our success action plan,” Wilson-Raybould said.
“For our region this is especially powerful because it says to other regions of the AFN and to Canada and the province that we are unified in our resolve to implement our aboriginal title and rights, including treaty rights, and that we have, as nations, been developing our own solutions and will continue to support each other in this work.”
The BCAFN represents First Nations across the province involved in the treaty process and those that have chosen not to engage.
The regional chief provides the political leadership and strategic direction for the BCAFN and serves a three-year term.
As a member of the National AFN Executive Committee, the regional chief works to ensure that the perspectives of British Columbian chiefs are included in national political discussions and decision-making.