Chief Troy Baptiste of ʔEsdilagh First Nation was re-elected Monday, Dec. 9 for another four-year term.
Located between Williams Lake and Quesnel, ʔEsdilagh First Nation, also known as Alexandria Band, has a population of about 279 people, 246 of whom are eligible voters.
Chief Baptiste won 78 of the 131 valid votes, with Anthony Johnny garnering 28 votes and Chad Stump 25.
ʔEsdilagh First Nation is one of six autonomous member bands within the Tŝilhqot’in National Government who work together to protect and reclaim Aboriginal Rights and Title to their lands and to serve the needs of the Tŝilhqot’in people.
The nation shares a community garden and hosts regular movie nights and self-care days. It recently acquired funding to build new homes in an effort to improve living conditions and opportunities for its members and hopes to acquire a truck with fire protection pumps to help in emergencies.
Community members congratulated the chief on Facebook, and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government post said it looked forward to continuing its work with the chief.
“Leadership within our communities plays a vital role in preserving culture and advancing the well-being of our people,” the nation wrote in a Facebook post.
Members of ʔEsdilagh First Nation also re-elected Coun. William Baptiste to serve a four-year term and Coun. Jeffery Twan Magwood was elected to serve two years. The two councilors tied at 49 votes, only two votes ahead of Donelda Mitchell. The community determined who would serve the longer term by a draw.
