Prophet River First Nation welcomes new councillor

PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — A new councillor was elected in Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) following election results released August 14th.

Shanee Tzakoza will join incumbent councillor Beverly Stager and Chief Valerie Ashkoty in governing the members of PRFN.  

Tzakoza received 46 votes, narrowly edging out Andy Calahizen by two votes for the second councillor position. Stager topped all candidates with 67 votes. 

The newly anointed councillor commented on her victory on Facebook, saying she hopes the council can “work together and not against each other.”

Ashkoty won a second term as PRFN Chief, beating out a field of five candidates. 

In an interview in July, she had described her initial term as Chief to energeticcity.ca as a “learning experience.”

Her goals included establishing a board for the First Nation’s economic development corporation, stating that “PRFN members were the stakeholders.”

Ashkoty reacted over social media to commemorate her victory.

“I appreciate you all and your support,” said Ashkoty, who defeated her closest opponent Kirk Tzakoza by 35 votes. “I will continue to work in the best interest of our nation and do the best I can.”

A total of 146 votes were cast for the elections, according to Indigenous electronic services provider OneFeather.

Terms for the new chief and council run until August 2027, for a period of three years. 

 Full results and more about PRFN can be found on the First Nation’s website.