The Council of Ha’wiih, the Hereditary Nuu-chah-nulth chiefs and their delegates, have endorsed NDP candidate Gord Johns in the Courtenay-Alberni riding. The Ha’wiih met Oct. 6 and 7 in Tsaxana (Gold River), hosted by Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, for their forum on fisheries.
The discussion leading up to the endorsement began with plans to get Nuu-chah-nulth people motivated to vote in the upcoming federal election.
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice-President Ken Watts said this election may be the “most important election ever” to chart a new, better course for First Nations. In past elections only about 40 per cent of eligible First Nation voters have voted. If Nuu-chah-nulth come out in large numbers in this election, First Nations will never be ignored again by governments and political parties.
Nuchahlaht’s Archie Little said his First Nation couldn’t survive another four years of cuts if the Conservatives and Harper win another majority government.
Dr. Simon Lucas made a motion for the Ha’wiih to support NDP candidate Gord Johns in the Courtenay-Alberni riding, and the motion was carried unanimously.
A video message supporting Gord Johns and the NDP was recorded by the Ha’wiih and released Oct. 8. Speaker for the Ha’wiih was Cliff Atleo Sr. He said it’s an important exercise to elect people to represent regions right across the country… the Ha’wiih have taken note that Gord Johns, “more than any others” would best represent their interests for their ha-ha-houlthee (chiefly lands).
