The Squamish Nation has named Coun. Kristen Rivers as its new co-chair following the resignation of Coun. Deborah Baker.
No details were provided for Baker’s departure, but she said the choice was for made for personal reasons.
“I am grateful for the time in being appointed to do this role,” said Baker in a news release on Oct. 2.
“Today I am happy that we appointed a strong and intelligent woman leader of the Squamish Nation as the new co-chair who will carry out the rest of this term for Squamish Nation Council. I believe we will only grow stronger with this experience and opportunity for positive change for the Squamish Nation Members.”
The new co-chair will be taking her post alongside Coun. Joshua Joseph, who has already been serving in that role.
Rivers was chosen after the Nation held a selection process on Oct. 2 to choose Baker's replacement.
The Squamish Nation Council is a 16-member democratically elected government of the Squamish Nation that serves a four-year term.
The most recent elections in December 2017 resulted in the election of the largest number of first-time councillors, with eight new faces and eight reclaiming their seats.
The Squamish Nation has no elected ’chief’ like other First Nations with its unique governance structure.
In the Squamish Nation, hereditary chiefs are a ceremonial and cultural leadership role that is not directly connected to the role of the elected council, although hereditary chiefs are sometimes elected if they choose to run for council.
Once elected, the council appoints two co-chairs to run council meetings and manage the agenda and activities of council and liaise directly with the administration.
Coun. Joshua Joseph and Coun. Deborah Baker were appointed as co-chairs in December 2017.
