Housing and health care top the list of priorities for Katzie Chief Grace George as she leads the First Nation into her fifth term.
George was automatically acclaimed as Chief following the nomination meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, where she ran uncontested for the role of Katzie First Nation Chief for another two-year term.
“I feel a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility,” said George about being entrusted with a second acclamation in eight years.
It is a trust, George said, she does not take lightly.
George is proud of her accomplishments over the past four terms including: the construction of three new housing buildings to address critical housing needs; the establishment of a community pharmacy, significantly improving access to health care for members of the First Nation; and advancing a treatment centre, that Chief George explained, reflects their commitment to healing, wellness, and culturally grounded supports.
George noted that since 2018, the Katzie First Nation has experienced strong financial growth, bringing long-term stability, and enabled expanded services, infrastructure investments, and community programs.
She pointed out the nation has grown from 24 to 62 staff members and established essential departments like those for mental health and substance use, referrals, incremental self-government, and human resources. The Katzie also hired a chief administrative officer to strengthen governance and administration.
George has overseen the completion of the Tetoten Health Centre on Barnston Island, the incorporation of a financial administration law, the launching of a new website, and continued strengthening of the First Nation’s foundational governance tools like the land code, election code, and education policy.
Key plans, including their Strategic Plan, Land Use Plan, Environmental and Emergency Management Plans, and Watershed and Holistic Management Plans, were completed and continue to be implemented.
There have also been significant land guardian protection initiatives, the revitalization of waterways, and environmental management projects across the territory, during George’s time at the helm.
In addition, George stated, they will continue with home improvement projects for the First Nation.
“We have expanded food security initiatives, enhanced member supports such as increased Christmas distributions, built a new wharf for Katzie community use, increased community gatherings and engagement, and strengthened Katzie visibility across our territory through leadership presence, language, signage, and welcoming features,” said George.
Environmental stewardship has remained a core responsibility, with advancement of the Guardian program, strengthened environmental practices, and they have been actively engaged in consultation processes affecting their lands, waters, and rights.
“At the same time, we have taken steps to strengthen governance and administrative systems, improve communication, and build staff capacity to support effective service delivery and accountability,” said George.
This coming term, noted the chief, is about building on the strong foundation, while remaining grounded in service, transparency, and accountability.
One of her primary concerns is ensuring Katzie First Nation growth doesn’t come at the expense of their culture, language, or their connection to the land. She also wants to make sure Katzie First Nation leadership, staff, and systems are adequately supported to meet the increasing demands of their growth.
“I am committed to continuing to work closely with council, staff, elders, youth, and community members to ensure Katzie First Nation moves forward in a good way, honouring our past while planning carefully for our future,” she said.
Housing, health and wellness, infrastructure, and the protection of the land and waters are key challenges.
Housing will remain one of the highest priorities, said George.
“Increasing development pressures within our territory require continued focus on land stewardship, environmental protection, and the assertion of our jurisdiction while harnessing partnerships and maintaining relationships with our adjacent municipal partners,” she said.
Also critical to the growth of the nation will be supporting a growing population – especially youth, families, and elders – while maintaining strong, sustainable governance systems, noted George.
“In the coming term, I hope to continue advancing self-government through the implementation and strengthening of our governance systems,” said George.
Priorities for the coming two years include continued progress on housing, health initiatives, and the completion of the treatment centre.
Language revitalization, increased visibility of Katzie throughout the territory, and meaningful community engagement, are other matters George wants to address.
She also wants to ensure community plans remain the foundation for decision-making and member priorities stay at the forefront.
“Above all, I am committed to serving in a way that reflects integrity, unity, and deep respect for our people, today and for generations to come.”
Members of the Katzie First Nation will vote for band council in the upcoming election on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Katzie Health and Community Centre, with travelling polls on IR2 and IR3. There are five nominees for band council including: incumbents Lisa Adams, Rick Bailey, and David Kenworthy, in addition to Elisha Cunningham, and Darcy Erickson. Only three will be voted in.
Chief and council will begin their new term on April 1, and the term will end on March 31, 2028.