Tsawwassen First Nation's Kim Baird loses chief election to Bryce Williams

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      The Tsawwassen First Nation has elected a new leader, sending packing the long-time chief who led the nation to the first treaty made under the B.C. treaty process.

      Six-term chief Kim Baird was defeated by legislator Bryce Williams in the September 5 election by a vote of 78-69.

      Ken Baird, Karl Morgan, Tony Jacobs, Sheila Williams, Laura Cassidy, Melinda Cassidy, Steven Stark, Louise Ahlm, Andrea Jacobs, Jesseca Adams, Nikki Jacobs, and Marvin Joe were elected as members of the Tsawwassen legislature, with the first four politicians—who garnered the most votes—set to comprise the executive council.

      All of the elected politicians will start their three-year terms on September 16.

      This election was the second to be held under the First Nation's post-treaty governance structure. The Tsawwassen treaty took effect in 2009.

      On Twitter today (September 6), Baird said that she doesn't see her defeat as a rejection of the treaty, and that she has already received a job offer.

      The First Nation has 439 members, of which 260 were eligible to vote.

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      Comments

      4 Comments

      pippatch

      Sep 7, 2012 at 6:30am

      I wonder if she is one of the '600 millionaire' natives that sun news revealed a few weeks ago?

      Natty

      Sep 8, 2012 at 5:37pm

      She really p^ssed all over her ancestors when she led the charge to get that mega mall built on her people's land. Good riddance, maybe this new guy will have the sense to balance business with tradition and public demand (thinking of how well the Osoyoos people have done).

      eCoyote

      Sep 10, 2012 at 2:53pm

      Actually, Natty, she only pissed all over those snooty Delta residents who didn't support the Tsawwassen First Nation's plan to get themselves out of poverty by going the intensive development route like everyone else. As for the newcomer, he's on the record as supporting everything the former chief initiated. Good for him and them.

      Wtaz

      Sep 27, 2012 at 10:47am

      eCoyote: not all Delta residents opposed the development. Quite the contrary, a good part endorsed and embraced the development and the steps the TFN have taken to become independent.
      Only question was whether the growth plans were overly ambitious? Too much growth and change too quickly?