FNFN swears in new council with pledges of transparency

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Newly elected councillors for Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) were sworn in at a ceremony on August 25th in the arbour of the First Nation.

Five new councillors were voted in during the elections last week, and an announcement on Facebook says the seven officials are already at work.

The statement reads that two policies about council honorarium disbursement and chief councillor remuneration have already been repealed.

It adds that engagement with members to establish new rates will be forthcoming in the “interest of transparency and inclusion.”

FNFN Council is also working on amending policies concerning council meetings and allowing community members to observe them.

Interim Chief Councillor Archie Harrold, who spoke during the swearing-in ceremony, was one of only two members from the previous assembly to hold onto their seats.

Harrold said it was important that the FNFN members receive the “transparency” they sought from the council, adding that the people should have their voices heard. 

A permanent chief councillor will be chosen at a later date through support from the community.

“I have to thank the people who voted for me,” said Harrold. “But you’ve also got to thank others who worked hard to get wherever you are.”

“If you look around this community, many people sacrificed much time and effort to get what we’ve got.”

He outlined business, health and culture as critical to the community’s growth.

“We’re going to give 110 per cent,” said Harrold. “We’re taking back our rights to this land and our resources.  It’s already started, but we can do much better.”

“I pledge in pushing down that road, and pushing so we’re going to say what will happen to this land at our pace.”

The statement on Facebook also acknowledged the continued efforts to locate Karen Tessier, who has been missing since early July. 

It concluded that the council will “continue to support the family and ongoing efforts” in the search.

The new council’s term will run for two years through August 2026.