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First Nation chief who made $914,000 in 2013 re-elected

A year after receiving national criticism for his salary, Kwikwetlem First Nation chief Ron Giesbrecht has been re-elected.

Giesbrecht, who made $914,000 in 2013, received 30 votes compared to 16 for his competitor.

Most of Giesbrecht’s compensation that year came in the form of an economic bonus, after he signed a land deal that gave the provincial government claim to part of Burke Mountain in Coquitlam.

READ MORE: B.C. First Nation chief with $914,000 compensation package issues statement

It made him the highest-earning aboriginal leader in Canada, but raised the ire of some members of the community, who were unaware of his salary until it was disclosed by the federal government last year.

WATCH: Giesbrecht faced calls for his resignation last year, but pledged to stay on

At the time, Giesbrecht said he would remain accountable for his actions and said he wouldn’t take such a bonus in the future, but defended the work he had done for his people.

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“It means that Kwikwetlem First Nation is in a better position than it has ever been before. As a result we have improved things like our housing, our youth and elder support, our health programs,” he said.

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