The Chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation will be stepping down next week.
Chief Nelson (Charlie) Williams announced on Tuesday, November 25, that he will step down as Chief, effective immediately, on Tuesday, December 2. Seven months after he was elected in April.
“I’ve been in politics with the Band for eight and a half years now, at the end of April it will be nine, and I’ve got nothing left in the tank basically,” Chief Williams says.
He also says he is handling family health priorities in addition to political burnout.
“I’ve just been at it for too long, and in previous meetings with leadership, I’ve told them family comes first. If you have to deal with a family member, I believe that family is always first, and we have to be there for each other. I still do believe that.”
In a letter posted on Ulkatcho First Nation’s Facebook Page, Chief Williams said, “serving as your chief has been one of the greatest honours of my life.” Saying that in working together with the community, they have made significant progress on strengthening the Band’s governance and community initiatives.
According to the Ulkatcho First Nation’s Custom Election Code, Council has offered the position of Chief to the person who had the second most votes in its election back in April, Dereck Sill. Chief Williams says Sill has accepted the position and will be Chief for the remainder of the elected term.
Chief Williams and Ulkatcho’s Council will have a community meeting on Monday, December 1, at 11:00 a.m.
Chief and Council will discuss the transition period, including Sill signing an Oath of Office. Chief and Council will also answer any questions from the community, and update documents to there is no disruption to programs and services in the community.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
