Up front: New visitors centre welcomed with open arms Island style: Cowichan’s favourite looks for the holidays
Your news leader since 1905
page 3 page 16
For all the news of the Cowichan region as it happens, plus stories from around British Columbia, go to our website www.cowichannewsleader.com
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Save 10¢ /Litre on Home Heating Oil from now until April CALL FOR DETAILS
Duncan 250.737.1508 • AFDFuels.ca
Runners make their way out of Duncan city square and onto Canada Avenue for the six-kilometre run to the Friendship Trail during the Run for the Claus, a fundraising event by the Cowichan United Way, on Sunday Dec. 8. Andrew Leong
New chief’s priorities close to home Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
I
f you want to talk to the new Cowichan Tribes chief, you should know where to find him. William Charles (Chip) Seymour chalked part of his election win Thursday to his promise to boost communication. “Communication was a big issue from people I talked to. People are coming to the band office and found no one to talk to,” he said. “Our previous chief spent lots of time traveling and meeting with (First Nations) hierarchy.” Seymour aims to ask his managers and councillors to handle the routine huddles with government and Native leaders outside Duncan — while he stays closer to home to tend
Tribes members’ concerns. “Most of the time, l’d like to stay here so when people come in looking for help, I’ll be here.” Seymour is settling in to the chief’s chair, formerly held by Harvey Alphonse, after winning Thursday’s election with 354 votes — just 11 more than second-place challenger Howie George. “There won’t be a recount unless Howie wants one. Howie was out campaigning hard,” Seymour said, chuckling about being first-time lucky at his try for chief. The 62-year-old soon-to-be former Tribes maintenance and operations manager also hedged his bets during the election, being reelected to Tribes’ 12-member council. “I’m sitting in the chief’s seat,” he said, indicating he’ll ask council to stage a byelection soon to fill his council seat, and issue a posting
Chip Seymour elected in a tight vote to lead Cowichan Tribes to fill his old day job. “It was close all the way; neck and neck,” said the former longtime soccer coach, who gained his nickname from his kicking prowess. “I’m feeling pretty good about it. I thought it would be between Harvey and myself,” the chief-elect said. Alphonse finished third with 309 votes. Seymour expects to be busy with a variety of priorities. Educating more Cowichan kids to keep them out of trouble, and in good jobs is one. “Education is a big issue. We need to look at ways to keep our kids in school longer, and increase grad rates. “We’re gunning for 100% soon. I need to start meeting with young people and finding out what problems they’re having,” he said, also targeting school gatherings. Education may also abate alarming suicide
$14,871 Stk# 6107
2013 CHEV IMPALA LS SEDAN
bowmel.com
or $89* PAYMENT
Peter W. Rusland
Chip Seymour says education, jobs, suicide and housing are among his challenges.
rates among his people — a crisis that arose in 2012 and continues. Alphonse tackled it by gaining federal funds to address causes. more page 5
$27,431
$36,863 Stk# 6131
2013 CHEV TAHOE LS SUV
or $218* PAYMENT
*All payments are bi-weekly OAC $0 down, 96 mo, 4.99% plus taxes
461 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
Stk# 6078
or $162* PAYMENT
2013 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING VAN
250-748-8144
1-800-461-5337
NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 11 AM - 4 PM FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE