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March 29, 2017 - 11:35 AM
NORTH OKANAGAN - The polls are open as Okanagan Indian Band members vote for a new chief and council today, March 29.
There are 33 candidates for the 10 councillor positions, and three people in the running for chief.
Current chief Byron Louis, who has held the seat continuously since 2011, is seeking re-election. Dan Wilson, a former band chief and current councillor, and political newcomer Joseph Jack, are the two other nominees for chief.
READ MORE: Housing, economic development on the agenda as Okanagan Indian Band heads to election
The Okanagan Indian Band is located at the head of Okanagan Lake in Vernon and has just under 2,000 members.
During the past couple of years, the band has focussed on land claims, as well as issues of unexploded military ordnances and the preservation of its language, culture and traditional activities.
Voting is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Head of the Lake Hall.
Elections are held every two years.
Here is a list of the councillor candidates:
Jonathan Alexis
Reynolds John Bonneau
Wilber Bonneau
Cynthia Lee Brewer
Lyle Brewer
Valerie Chiba
Barbara June Cole
Dustin Goodwater
Lynn Germaine Gregoire
Terry Harris
Stephen Isaac
Tim Isaac
Garett Lawrence
Allan Louis
Blaine Louis
Dean Lous
Diane F. Louis
Jackson Louis
Machell Louis
Richard Jr. Louis
Sheldon Louis
Raymond Marchand
Shane Miller
Michael Ochoa
Guy Robins
Sera Robins
John Spotted Eagle
Marie Tonasket
Shawa Whitney
Russel (Harold) Williams
Danny Wilson
Leland Wilson
William Robert Wilson
Read previous stories about the Okanagan Indian Band here.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017