MONDAY, JUNE 04, 2012
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By Jill Hayward North Thompson Star/Journal Newly sworn in, Chief Rita Matthew of the Simpcw First Nation, told Band members, “I will do my best to be the best that I can be. I love my community, and the people in it. We must work together to make the community the way that we know it can be. I believe that people can only be happy when they are no longer dependant on anyone. I look forward to being a part of this team.” Matthew and six Band Councillors, took an Oath of Office in front of their community members at Chu Chua, on Monday, May 28, with guests from Barriere, Clearwater and surrounding communities attending. During the ceremony Simpcw drummers performed the Honouring Song and the Unity Song. Outgoing Chief Nathan Matthew spoke about the Band needing to be strong due to the many challenges facing First Nation’s People in today’s world. He thanked the Band for their support and said, “It’s been wonderful to be a part of the community, and to be a part of all the really neat things we do here in Chu Chua. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Each of the newly signed in Band Councillors spoke as well; saying they were happy with the new team, and they were all looking forward to working together to help their community. Band Councillor Shelley Loring said, “My heart is happy. We really care about the future of our community, and we support each other.” Band Councillor Joni Miller said, “I will work for the community and the people so we are not dependent on the government, and so we can be self-sustainable. The previous council have put the fingerprints down for us to work with.” Off-Reserve Councillor Darrell Eustache said, “I look forward to bringing the experience that I have learnt along the way to the community.” Elections were originally held on Apr. 15, for Chief and On-Reserve Councillors, electing; Chief Rita Matthew, and Councillors Tina Eustache, Tom Eustache, Joni Miller, Shelley Loring, and Daniel Saul. The Off-Reserve Councillor, Darrell Eustache, was elected on May 27. Simpcw First Nation are now working towards the hosting of the 2012 Secwepemc Gathering on Aug. 17 – 19. The event will feature a Pow Wow, Ball Hockey Tournament, Slow Pitch Tournament, and Fast Ball Tournament. Organizers say they expect too see approximately 400 people from a number of Secwepemc Bands attend the Gathering, to be held in Chu Chua. They encourage the public to take part, and advise more information about the event will be available soon.
61 personcaused fires Kamloops Fire District
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Motorcycle riders: New helmet and seating laws are now in effect ..... page 13
2012 BSS Grad Supplement inside Find more BSS grad pictures and award information inside on pages 11 and 19.
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Simpcw Chief and Council take oath
2011
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Vol. 38, Issue 29
Chief Rita Matthew addresses the attendees at the swearing in of new Simpcw First Nations’s new Chief and Council for 2012.
STAR/JOURNAL photos: Jill Hayward
(Right) Chief and Council members say their Oath of Office during the ceremony held May 28 in Chu Chua. Pictured: (l to r) Councillors Darrell Eustache, Tom Eustache, Tina Donald, Joni Miller, Shelley Loring, Chief Rita Matthew, and Councillor Daniel Saul.
(Left) Simcw First Nation drummers performing during the ceremony.
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SERVING THE NORTH THOMPSON VALLEY FROM HEFFLEY CREEK TO BLUE RIVER