Wednesday, April 9 is election day for the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
Incumbent Chief Dolleen Logan has been nominated for a third consecutive term and will run against Regina Toth.
The Lheidli T’enneh will also elect eight councilors and three lands authority representatives.
Voting hours are from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on April 9.
The polling station is at the Lhedli T’enneh administration office in Prince George at 1041 Whenun Rd.
Mail-in ballots are available upon request from the electoral officer Ron Laufer (Email: [email protected]).
First elected in April 2021, Logan previously served six years as a band councilor. Prior to taking office, she worked for the nation for the 14 years.
She become the second female chief in the history of her nation and the first to be re-elected.
Toth has four decades of leadership, governance and experience in economic development, having held a key role in developing the province’s first Land Code and Matrimonial Real Property Law, which empowers Lheidli T’enneh people to take control of their land and resources.
Her election priorities centre around education and training, stimulating economic growth, self-governance, building more affordable housing and fostering community unity.’
“Lheidli T’enneh stands at a turning point, with opportunities in land development, business growth, and self-governance,” said Toth, in a prepared release. “But opportunity alone is not enough. We need leadership that fights for fair deals, delivers real results, and ensures our Nation has not just a seat at the table, but a powerful voice. And that’s why I’m running.
“We need leadership that listens to our people and works to build a stronger, more prosperous future for all members,” she said. “For too long, decisions about our land and future have been made by others. It’s time to take charge of our path forward. Together, we can build a thriving, independent community where every member has the opportunity to succeed.”
There are 26 nominated candidates in the race for councilor and seven have let their names stand after being nominated for lands authority positions.
The candidates for councilor are: Crystal Bird, Jamie Bird, Glen Bjorklund, Helen Buzkas, Kerri Chersinoff, Dominic Frederick, Crystal Gibbs, Candace Godwin, Wendy Jael, Clarence John, Corinna Joseph, Victor Joseph, Renata Logan, Kyle McIntosh, Dawn Murphy, Leslie Oien, Doug Olson, Clayton Pountney, Tandi Purych, Joshua Seymour, Miranda Seymour, Tasheena Seymour, Janice Shannon, Carleigh Smart, Kenora Stewart and Laura Young.
Gibbs, Jael, McIntosh and Joshua Seymour are incumbent councilor candidates.
The Land Authority candidates are: Jamie Bird, Kerri Chersinoff, Maranda Godwin, Victor Joseph, Shane O’Donnell, Clayton Pountney and Miranda Seymour.
As of December 2023, the Lheidli T’enneh population was 795, including 49 males, 47 females living on the reserve at Shelley.
