Dwayne K. Beler, Statement for Candidacy

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Hello Klahoose Members,

 

It is with great honour, respect and humility that an opportunity to run for council has been made available for my self and other Klahoose members.

 

I do not take this opportunity lightly and whole heartedly make a commitment, if elected, to be a voice for all members. We have members that live in the United States, Canada and abroad and it's crucial that all of us are allowed to participate and be heard.

 

My mother is the late Lorraine Beler, maiden name Pielle. My grandmother was Agnes Pielle and my maternal Grandfather was Bill Hill. Agnes Pielle then marries John Hanuse and my mom became the oldest of 14 brothers and sisters. My mom moved back home to Cortes since 1996 and lived there until her passing in October of 2023. I ahve been travelling to Cortes since 1996 and continue to travel home every 2 - 3 months.

 

I currently live in North Bend, Washington. Washington state has been my home since immigrating here in 2004 under the Jay treaty. There is a rich culture of other tribal nations in this state. I have been fortunate to work on many projects at the Tulalip, Muckleshoot and Puyallup Indian reservations. We have many Klahoose members in the Auburn area and I would like to be a resresentative not just for them but for all Klahoose members.

 

I am 53 years old and married to Cassie Bele. Together we have 4 daughters of all different ages, locations and educational backgrounds. Audrey, my youngest is 11 years old and travels back and fourth to Cortes often with us. Including out last trip back home in January of this year.

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The past four years of the current chief and council have yielded little of any results. Klahoose members are unable to participate in chief and council meetings. Phone calls and emails are unanswered of not returned. Our elders and members living on reserve are are not being listened to and ignored. There is no representation of our people on reserve and off reserve. There has been no transperency of where our nation is going, no accountability or trust of those that sit on the council or chief. Who holds them accountable, currently no one can. That is unacceptable for any person that is elected to chief and council.

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Here are some of my goals and concerns that I have heard from you in the past few months that if elected, would work towards:

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​- Lead and guid our nation forward

- Have open communication

- Earn the trust of Klahoose members on and off reserve

- have transparency in chief and council meetings

- participation for ALL members at council meetings, whether it be in person or online.

- work for and represent ALL Klahoose members

- Embrace the challenges

- Have a custom election code ratified and voted on to keep chief and council accountable

- Make good decisions on creating and implementing new policies, what do the memebrs want?

- Chief and council should consider the wisdom of the elders when implementing policy or major decisions.

- The future of Klahoose and our members; language, culture, sustainability

- Infrastructure develeopment

- Short-term and long-term economic development plans

- Housing and employment opportunities

- QXMC decisions and business developments affecting Klahoose members

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In wrapping up, we need change. The same old people with the same old promises and nothing getting done. We need new people that are willing to commit to making our culture, home, history and people stronger. We will be  greater nation, one with purpose and direction. I am your voice and boots on the ground if elected for council.

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contact me by email or cell phone for more information

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Thank you

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Dwayne K. Beler

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Email: dwaynebeler@hotmail.com

Telephone: 206-423-0146

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Arlene Brown, Statement of Candidacy.

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Hello Klahoose Community.

I would like to introduce myself as your candidate for a Councillor position in the upcoming election being held on March 2025.

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Arlene Brown. My Mother and Grandmother were Doreen Reedel and Katherine Dominick, both Klahoose members. I have had the honour of being elected Chief in 1986-1990. I was at that time the elected Chief and Band Administrator. Our first order of business the day after election was to go to the Desolation Sound Tribal Council office and pick up all the files belonging to the Klahoose community. After returning home with our files, we began the job of creating the first Klahoose Band office.

Some other achievements during my time as Chief were:

--We developed the first subdivision expansion with new housing constructed for our Klahoose members.

--We blocked a multi-national logging company access through our Toba Inlet land. By doing that,Klahoose now has ownership of that TFL.

--We blocked the sale of bulk water exports from our traditional lands.

I am very proud of what we as the Klahoose Chief and Council achieved. I am grateful to the following Klahoose members who were instrumental in making this happening: Sharon Francis, Kathy Francis, Marilyn Harry and Norman Harry. I feel that our courage and commitment back then helped in preserving the future of our Nation.

Throughout the following years I have been involved in many other projects and positions within the Band, such as housing, administrative support, community planning, as well as cooking and organizing of special planned events. I have always enjoyed being involved with the cultural and traditional activities that are a part of Klahoose life.

My vision for the future is to have our members both on and off reserve feel they are a valued part of our community. The more that our members are involved, the stronger our Nation will be. I look forward to having the opportunity to have discussions with Band members about their concerns or ideas. I would like to see more training and education to help our members achieve their goals. I am looking for your support for the position of Councillor. I treat people the same way as I want to be treated: with respect, fairness and honesty.

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Thank you, Arlene Brown.

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No Email Provided.

No Telephone Number Provided.

Sharon Francis, Statement of Candidacy

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Hello Klahoose Members and Happy New Year.

My Name is Sharon Francis and / am writing this letter in regards to our upcoming election on March 15,2025. / am seeking your support in this important election for our people. My ancestry is from both Klahoose and Homalco First Nations.

I would like to bring more transparency on all Klahoose matters for all members regardless they live on or off the village of Toq (Klahoose).

I would like to thank the current Council for their efforts and attempts at moving our nation forward.

However, i would like to see more commitment on following policies that have been set by current and past Councils. An example would be the **shadowing” of employees that are hired by Klahoose. This means Klahoose band members were to be trained in various positions to take over said positions, and as far as I can tell, none of this has really transpired. All one has to do is look at the overall office staff and who is holding the majority of positions and it becomes very clear. There has also been little employment for Klahoose members who are contractors.

Our elders need proper support on daily basis, not occasionally. We require a proper Elder support worker, full time, to assist with their needs to monitor there wellbeing. This support worker would also help the elder*s travel to other communities for ceremonies*, health reasons and funerals, other events.

When I was in Council over 35 years ago, I was instrumental, along with Arlen Brown and Norman Harry, in initially bringing and securing our government funding to Klahoose so we could become more independent over time and make our own financial decisions to move our nation forward.

I am very proud of that and very proud to be a Klahoose First nation member.

I am looking forward to your support on March 15th.

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Emote Sharon Francis

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No Email Provided.

No Phone Number Provided.

Helen Hanson, Statement of Candidacy.

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Klahoose Band Members : Hope all is well with everyone & beginning the New Year in a good way . I have been nominated ( Councillor) for the up coming Chief & Council election on March 15/25. I have served 4 years as a Councillor with Kevin Peacey, Michelle Robinson, William Barns, Steven Brown ? ( 2 years) At that time my portfolio was in Education and worked with Julie Hanuse ( attended mtgs. In. Campbell River & by zoom) For those of you that don’t know me ( many band members I don’t know too, as our population has grown these past years). I was born in Squirrel Cove to John Alec Louie and. Emma Hill Louie. Those first few years with my parents I learned my Mother tongue and still to this day understand and know my language. I have 3 grown children: Dan Burm, Shannon Hanson & Natalie Hanson and married to Larry Hanson for many years . Right now. I am a Klahoose Elder for Naut-Sa-Maut and enjoying the position. For a 2 year term I was in the Klahoose Financial Committee ( chair person) Approximately 3/4 years in the Klahoose Housing. I am hoping to sit on the Klahoose Council this upcoming election and to all other candidates running : here’s wishing you all the best

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Helen Hanson

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No Email Provided.

No Telephone Number Provided.

Lorna James -  Statement of Candidacy.

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Lorna James: Candidate for Klahoose Council 2025
 

Hello, Klahoose,

My name is Lorna James and I have been nominated as a candidate for councillor position in
the upcoming 2025 Klahoose First Nation election.

My grandpa was from Klahoose, Carle (Smith- Smitty) McGee. My grandma was Agnes Timothy
& my mother is Lorna McGee. I'm a healthcare worker for 24 years & on going.

I would like to see our nation including all members. I want there to be inclusion & equality for
on reserve & off reserve members. In this prosperity will follow & we will continue to step
forward.

There is already resources & prosperity in abundance in our nation. We should be proud of
these accomplishments. We need to look at how it is utilized and benefiting our members.

I would like to be that person, that takes steps forward into honesty, accountability, unity &
success for our nation. My hands are raised to you all.

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E'mote, Lorna James.

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No Email Provided.

No Telephone Number Provided.

Laurier Louie Mathieu - Statement of Candidacy.

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ʔajɛčxʷʊt  My name is Laurier Louie Mathieu, my traditional name is Hewkin, thunderbirds younger brother. My parents are Emma Yvonne Louie and Pierre Mathieu  my maternal grandparent’s are Emma Louie (Hill) and John Alec Louie my paternal grand parents are Jacqueline and Laurier  Mathieu . I am honoured to be nominated for a councillor position in the 2025 election.

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I’ve lived on Cortes for the past 17 years, raising my family here on the island. I have an excavation company and have been worked with Klahoose on many projects over the last decade. I am a member of the Cortes volunteer fire Department, where I am currently training to be a Duty Officer.

 

Within the Klahoose community I am honoured to be a part of our Canoe family, where I am one of the Skippers of the tlum’tlums. Keeping our culture alive and teaching our youth traditional ways is very important to me. If elected, this will be my first term in office.

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My values:

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supporting our youth in training and education,

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Promoting culture and transitional activities

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helping all Klahoose members feel seen, heard and valued

 

To do my best to listen to what Klahoose members want and bring it to the council table.

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helping all Klahoose members with opportunities and building capacity weather in the village or living away.

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and supporting our nation in future economic

development with dignity  always inline with our cultural views.

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I hope to be elected to serve our people and make a positive impact for our Nation.

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Email Not Provided.

Telephone Number Not Provided.

Andrew McGee, Statement of Candidacy.

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My name is Andrew McGee, and I am proud to be a member of the Klahoose First Nation. I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on Chief and Council.

For the past 15 years, I have worked in the oil and gas industry in Alberta, serving as a manager, supervisor, and operator. This experience has equipped me with strong leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and a commitment to achieving results—qualities that I believe would serve me well in a council role.

Serving on council has long been a dream of mine, as I have a deep desire to contribute to our community and strengthen our Nation. My ultimate goal is to return home to my roots on Cortes Island and be actively involved in our community’s growth and success.

If elected, I am committed to approaching this role with an open mind and a willingness to learn all aspects of band governance. I will work hard to address the challenges we face and advocate for positive change. Key priorities for me include increasing housing options and creating more job opportunities within our community. These are essential steps toward making it easier for members to return home and thrive. With my background in the construction industry, I believe I can bring valuable insight and experience to these initiatives.

I am dedicated to listening to the voices of our members and working collaboratively to build a strong, prosperous future for the Klahoose First Nation.

Thank you for your support and consideration.

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Andrew McGee

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Email Not Provided

Telephone Number Not Provided.

Leticia Reyes, Statement of Candidacy.

 

Dear Klahoose Members,

 

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Leticia Reyes, and I am running for the position of Councilor for Klahoose First Nation. It is with great respect and a deep sense of responsibility that I ask for your support as we look ahead to the future of our community.

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I believe in the strength of our people and the importance of upholding the values and traditions that have shaped our way of life for generations. As a candidate, I am committed to strengthening community education, protecting natural resources, supporting economic development, and ensuring that all members—on or off-reservation—have their voices heard and their needs addressed. My platform is focused on building a thriving, united community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

 

Key Issues I Stand For:

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Strengthening Community Education

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Our youth are the future of Klahoose First Nation, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I will advocate for enhanced educational programs that focus on both academic success and cultural preservation, so our children grow up with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s world while staying connected to our heritage. I will also work to provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities for off-reservation members to further their education and achieve their goals.

 

Protecting Natural Resources

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Our lands, waters, and resources are vital to our way of life. As Councilor, I will work to protect and preserve these sacred elements of our environment for future generations. I will support sustainable practices and initiatives that balance development with the responsibility to safeguard our natural heritage, ensuring that our resources remain protected for all members, no matter where they live.

 

Supporting Economic Development

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A thriving economy is essential for a healthy community. I will work to create opportunities for local businesses, support job creation, and advocate for initiatives that help sustain our community’s economic growth. By investing in our people and resources, we can create a strong, self-sustaining future for Klahoose First Nation. For our off-reservation members, I will focus on creating remote work opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship to ensure that everyone can participate in our economic progress.

 

Access to Healthcare and Wellness Services

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Health and wellness are vital for our community’s success. I am committed to improving access to healthcare services for all members, whether on or off-reservation. This includes telemedicine options, mobile health clinics, and working to ensure our healthcare partners understand the unique needs of our people. I will push for programs that support our elders, families, and youth, ensuring they have the resources needed for a healthy life.

 

Cultural Connection and Community Engagement

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It is essential to keep all Klahoose members connected to our traditions and to each other. I will advocate for virtual cultural events, language programs, and gatherings that allow off-reservation members to stay engaged with our heritage. Additionally, I will ensure that annual or semi-annual gatherings take place, offering opportunities for members to return to the reservation and celebrate our culture together.

 

Strengthening Communication and Representation

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Communication is key to building a strong and united community. I will prioritize open and transparent communication with all members, including regular town halls, newsletters, and online platforms to ensure that off-reservation members remain informed and involved in community decision-making. I will also ensure that your concerns and voices are represented at the council level.

 

Legal Assistance and Advocacy

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Navigating legal challenges, especially in areas such as Indigenous rights, land issues, and family matters, can be difficult, particularly for our off-reservation members. I will work to establish resources and partnerships with legal professionals who can assist members in these areas, providing the support needed to protect our rights and interests.

 

My Commitment to You:

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If elected, I promise to listen to every member of our community and work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed. I will always uphold the values of our people and ensure that our traditions guide the decisions we make, while working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.

 

Together, we can continue to build a strong and united Klahoose First Nation. I ask for your trust and your vote in this upcoming election. Let’s work together to secure a brighter future for our community.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as your Councilor.

 

Sincerely,

Leticia Reyes

Candidate for Councilor, Klahoose First Nation

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Email: leticiareyes@live.com

Telephone: 778-522-2901

Michelle Robinson - Statement of Candidacy.

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Dear Klahoose Members:
It is an honour for me to be nominated to serve our people as Councilman of our Nation and I humbly accept the nomination. My name is Michelle Robinson, my qaymixw name is Quistunelwat. I come from the Hill and Barnes families and am a proud Toq qaymixw!

I have extensive experience working for our Nation serving 9 years as the Social Development Manager, 4 years on the QXMC Board, and two terms on Council.

In my nine-year tenure leading the Social Development Department I introduced a broad swath of programs to support the health and well-being of our membership: from the community kitchen, to cultural programming, to health and wellness workshops. This intergenerational approach spanned Elder care to newborns and I am tremendously proud of the success we realized.

I also served our Klahoose people for four years on Council. I did so with the utmost respect and care for our people. Our slate successfully negotiated/fought hard against INAC and secured funding to upgrade critical infrastructure. We successfully lobbied the federal government to obtain more geoduck quota and the movement of an unusable tenure and secured funds from PICFI which enabled Klahoose to partner with Homalco to acquire fishing licenses leading to a fishing corporation between the two Nations. We undertook an internal assessment which allowed us to pay off the Band office mortgage and ensure guaranteed funds were available for the annual holiday distribution. We successfully fought against conservation to secure 100% for our elk hunting rights & created the yearly elk hunts. We introduced new policy to ensure a safe workplace.

Our council team restructured our ECDEV - QXMM, updated & created the board policies to further protect our people while enhancing our business holdings including the acquisition of Klahoose Resort & the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. We worked to establish profit sharing with Interfor and eliminated A&A from managing our forestry interests, hiring our own forestry manger and redirecting profit revenues back to the Nation.

Under our leadership we renovated & opened the Klahoose Health Clinic and were able to welcome healthcare staff as well as deliver programming to the community. I am very proud the work undertaken during the covid pandemic, ensuring our people’s needs were met with the least amount of disruptions to services.

For four years I held a seat on our QXMC board, and focused on restructuring policies and priorities to better meet the needs of the Klahoose People, During this time we diversified our holdings, created a finance committee for the board, sought out new business opportunities, and ensured our cultural belief & ethics were reflected in our business practices. As a team we worked with financial advisors to shed unneeded spending, managed Klahoose stocks and bonds, ensured reporting was done in timely a manor to coincide with Klahoose Band to report to membership at AGM's.

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I am confident I am coming into this term with great experience, understanding all aspects of governance, policy, and priorities for the community, the corporation, and the Nation. I have always prided myself on the ability to listen to our people with an open mind and heart and a strong sense what our people want and need to be informed. I respect the importance of our cultural & teachings and the value of intergenerational programming and planning to ensure the needs of the whole community are met.

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I hope you will support my candidacy by providing me with your vote. In turn I promise to always put the needs of our people before my own and find common purpose in our work. If you have questions or would like to discuss any of the information provided, please feel free to contact me.

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Emot! Michelle Robinson

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No Email Provided.

Telephone: 250-713-3203