No more secret agendas. No more major decisions without consultation or regard for the environment.

No, we are not talking about the promises of the recent federal election. These are the policies of the new Malahat Nation leaders elected on Nov. 2 who say that a spirit of openness will prevail as they begin to govern.

Caroline Harry was elected chief. The 40-year-old mother and grandmother is the first-ever female chief of the nation. She has lived and worked in the Malahat community for more than 20 years, working in treaty, health and education. She stepped up to run for chief – something she has done before – after the former chief Michael Harry resigned over alleged improprieties in August. The other members of council later resigned so that the special November election could be called.

Leading up to the election, the 300-member nation was divided over a controversial decision to build a floating liquid natural gas [LNG] facility at the Bamberton industrial site purchased by the nation last summer. Many Malahat members, as well as neighbouring First Nations and other communities, were upset when they learned of a deal made by the former chief and council with Steelhead LNG.

An agreement-in-principle was signed with the company for a floating LNG facility which some said could pose a threat to the environmentally-sensitive Saanich Inlet. Chief Caroline said her first step would be to invite the other nations surrounding the inlet – Tsartlip, Tseycum, Pauquachin and Tsawout – to work together on a solution regarding the LNG project. “I am beyond happy to build a connection once again,” she said. “We are all family, one way or another.”

She also acknowledged the past council’s comprehensive community plan as having benefits for her people. “We will focus on life skills, employment and training to create job opportunities for our members. No one should be left behind.”

Newly elected councillor Vince Harry also took a positive view. “There are a lot of good things going on here. We will look at where last council left off and decide on where to go with it.”

Also on the new council are brothers George and Matt Harry who have become role models in the Malahat community since they graduated and apprenticed in construction, built their own homes and helped to complete the Kwunew Kwasun cultural resource centre. “We need to focus on making changes as a nation,” Matt said. “Education is very important. Going back to school… life resets itself, you get another chance.”

His brother George added: “I’m glad a lot of schools are bringing in the elders to teach children their own language. Our elders had conversations in front of us and we need to bring that back again and have our people speaking the language fluently.”

Chief Caroline called on the elders for guidance and support as she recalled the words of her late grandfather: “Remember that no matter how many times things fail and go wrong, the only thing you can do is correct it. We have to work together and stick together because we are all family. Don’t leave and don’t give up!” She said: “My kids have seen that I never gave up and year after year I ran for chief and finally made it, so it’s an inspiration for them. Life is all about learning and one day our children will be our leaders.”

NMTC HELPS OUT

The new Malahat council met with a trio from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council in mid-November. Attending the information session were NmTC administrator Gary Reith, finance director Lisa Scott and governance advisor Valerie Cross- Blackett.

Reith said it was good that the Malahat leadership were open to learning what lies ahead for them. “Chief Caroline and councillors George, Matt and Vince Harry were elected just two weeks before. Only Vince had served on council before.

“We reviewed NmTC’s services with them and looked over the roles and responsibilities they now have as members of the band council. It looks as though they want to be well prepared for their four-year term.” He added that Chief Caroline suggested that capacity building and communications are key priorities.