Members of one of Canada's most powerful urban First Nations go to the polls Dec. 6 to decide their leaders for the next four years.
The Squamish Nation -- the dominant force in VANOC's Four Host First Nations -- will elect a new 16-member band council. Fifty-six people are vying with 16 incumbents, including VANOC director Chief Gibby Jacob. Jacob heads tribal economic development, which includes the controversial erection of billboards and the band's August-approved plan to develop office and residential towers by the south end of the Burrard Bridge.
Among the dozens of challengers are Darren Baker, an RCMP officer who was suspended 10 days from the force for drinking and driving, and Donald Joe (Mathias), who is running on an anti-corruption platform. Joe accused FHFN CEO Tewanee Joseph of uttering threats in 2007, but a Provincial court judge dismissed the charges in 2008.
Deborah Baker, Kwa Kwee Baker and Linda Calla are challenging incumbent Glen Newman for the band manager job. Advance polls are Thursday and Friday in North Vancouver and Squamish.
The Squamish walked away from treaty negotiations in 1998, opting instead to pursue Olympic opportunities.
