New Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation chief Brendan Mitchell and council sworn into office
Brendan Mitchell, the new chief of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band, along with two vice-chiefs and nine councillors, were sworn into their roles during a ceremony Monday in Corner Brook.
"There's a new page being turned, a new chapter in our lives — all of us," said Mitchell after the swearing in, which included drummers, singing, and a smudging ceremony.
"We're really interested in getting active and working for people and communities. That will be a key focus for this new council," pledged Mitchell.
Mitchell won the Oct. 23 election over incumbent chief Brendan Sheppard, and challenger Shane Snook.
A crowd gathering for the Qalipu swearing in ceremony for new chief and council <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcnl?src=hash">#cbcnl</a> <a href="https://t.co/rm4kkaz0QD">pic.twitter.com/rm4kkaz0QD</a>
—@garyakmooreNew faces
Half of those elected are newcomers to Qalipu Mi'kmaq political office.
"There's six of us on council that are new. We can bring new ideas, we can work together," said Coun. Arlene Blanchard-White.
"This day means a lot for me. It means unity, for one. It means change."
Blanchard-White is one of two women on the new council.
"It's very moving. We have a big job to do. Women in our culture are life-givers, we're caretakers of the water, we bring balance to the council," she said.
With files from Gary Moore