The K'贸moks First Nation elected a new chief and council on Jan. 5.

Nicole Rempel was elected Chief Councillor, with 105 votes.

鈥淚 am deeply humbled and honoured to have been elected to serve my community and membership for a fourth term as Chief Councillor,鈥� shared Nicole Rempel, who previously served as the elected Chief of K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation from 2017 to 2023. 鈥淚 look forward to working with my fellow Council members to represent and advocate for all members of our nation, for our rights and for our future. Together, we will pursue opportunities and partnerships to create a strong and sustainable future for generations to come, while continuing to support the incredible work of our staff in delivering vital programs and services to our people in a fiscally responsible manner.鈥�

Rempel was first elected as Chief in 2017 and served three consecutive terms. In 2023, she was beaten by Ken Price, by a margin of four votes (with five ballots spoiled). Rempel's portfolios include Governance and Finance, Infrastructure, Language and Culture, Forestry, Communications and is the alternate for Housing, Lands and Fish and Aquaculture.

鈥淲e stand on the threshold of history with an upcoming vote on our treaty," said Rempel, looking ahead. "It is an exciting time as we look to our future and the possibilities that we have negotiated and fought hard for over the past 30 years. Regardless of the path our nation chooses, there is much work to be done. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work together on the future of K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation with the direction of our membership.鈥�

"With her previous experience as Chief Councillor and the portfolios held in those years, her passion for language and culture, and her love for her community and respect for the land, Chief Rempel brings a vision of equality and strong leadership to guide the nation toward a bright future," a release from KFN says.

Also elected to council were Candace Newman with 110 votes, Susan Savoie with 84 votes and Richard Hardy with 81 votes. Councillors Newman, Savoie and Hardy have each served previous terms as councillors.

More than 63 per cent of eligible members voted in this election.

鈥淲e are very thankful for the past Chief and Council and we are all looking forward to working with the new Chief and Council,鈥� said Tina McLean, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). 鈥淚t is an exciting time for KFN with the Treaty vote and many exciting opportunities.鈥�

The new council's two-year term started on Jan. 7.