Two band councillors have been voted in at Yunesit’in (Stone Indian Band) after a band election Monday.
Newcomer Jessica Setah-Alphonse received 70 votes and Gabe Pukacz returned with 58 votes.
“I am happy with the results,” said Chief Russ Myers Ross who is half-way through a four-year term as chief.
“We keep Gabe who has a lot of experience on a variety of issues and we added Jessica Setah-Alphonse who has experience as a teacher at Yunesit’in, and a good foundation of education and experience on the land.”
In the election, Ellery Brigham received 57 votes, Darnell Myers received 41 and Lennon Solomon garnered 29.
It’s hard to see Darnell leaving council, the Chief said.
“He was very honest, but he will continue his work with the youth.”
There are four councillors in total on council at one time along with the chief.
"The custom election we have is staggered, so every two years, there are new elections, but it provides a chance to keep the memory and initiatives moving along without the clean slate of Council that other systems encounter," Myers Ross said.