After more than two years of political drama and uncertainty within the Piikani nation leadership, a new Chief has been official sworn in. On his third time running for Chief, Stanley Charles Grier took the oath, along with the eight other men who now make up the nation’s council. For Grier, the work starts immediately.
Grier will be working alongside the newly elected council, the majority of which are new to the position. One new face is Barnaby ‘Barney’ Provost. Provost grew up on the reserve, earned his teaching degree at university and returned to be an educator in Brocket. He is hopeful that the newly elected council can make progress on housing projects and improving employment opportunities.
“If we’re not successful, we’ll continue to see a big change in who’s elected and who’s not,” said Provost. “So hopefully this council can get it together and adjust those issues for our people and bring prosperity to our nation.”
Chief Grier and a number of councillors stressed the importance of communication and transparency with Piikani nation members.
“There’s a wealth of information and knowledge out there from our people,” said Grier. “Traditionally, educationally, culturally and in terms of their work and their endeavors and initiatives that they would like to see as priorities.”
The election took place last Thursday with the official results posted over the weekend. Grier won with 260 votes.
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