Appointments made to key postings

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Provincial court judge Steven Point has been appointed the new chief commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. The former tribal chair of the Sto:lo Nation was jointly appointed by the First Nations Summit, the province of British Columbia and the federal government.

"Judge Point's long history as a respected Sto:lo leader, combined with his experience as a provincial court judge, provide a perfect combination of knowledge, experience and impartiality necessary to be an effective chief commission of the B.C. Treaty Commission," said Grand Chief Ed John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive. "We look forward to working with him in our continuing efforts to negotiate fair, honorable and just treaties in British Columbia.

The seven Treaty 8 chiefs of British Columbia have elected Liz Logan as their deputy chief. She will have the full mandate of the chiefs to be their political voice at the provincial negotiations tables, at meetings with government officials and at meetings with industry. Logan is a descendent of Chief Jimmie Badine, who signed the Fort Nelson First Nation adhesion to Treaty 8. She has previously served as chief of that nation and is currently president of the Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre. "She knows our issues, concerns and aspirations. She knows that we want economic certainty just as government and industry want economic certainty, therefore we want her to continue with the same energy and persistence on our behalf," said Chief Garry Oker of Doig River First Nation.

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Aboriginal lawyer Kelly MacDonald was appointed as deputy child and youth officer-Aboriginal services by Jane Morley, Q.C., the child and youth officer for British Columbia. The newly created position is the result of a partnership between Morley's office and key Aboriginal organizations. MacDonald's activities will contribute to the goal that communities of Indigenous peoples in B.C. have sufficient resources, capacity and necessary autonomy to provide culturally affirmative and effective services. "As Aboriginal organizations, we have come together to publicly commit to dedicate our collective effort to safeguard the future interest of our children," said Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.

"There is certainly a lot of work to do, but we will succeed if we continuously carry in our heart the solemn commitment we all have to protect our children."