A new chief and council are on the job at the Sechelt First Nation.
Chief Calvin Craigan and the newly elected councillors were sworn in on Sunday. For Craigan it marks a return to the post he last held from ’74 to ’83.
Speaking on Coast TV’s “Talk to Your Local Government”, Craigan said he plans to carry on the work of the previous chief and council on several issues including opposing coal shipments to Texada Island.
Craigan says the possibility of more coal exports from Fraser Surrey Docks threatens the work the Sechelt have been doing to protect resources, and rehabilitate the environment after industrial activity.
Other ongoing issues include the class action lawsuit to get compensation for residential school day students and various economic development and education initiatives.
Craigan says overall he wants to bring a mix of new ideas and a return to tradition during his term as chief, something that was reflected in the swearing in ceremony which was held in the Longhouse and included other local government leaders acting as witnesses.
