Community members in Potlotek Mi’kmaw Nation will head to the polls next month to choose their next Chief and Council, with a strong field of candidates seeking to help shape the community’s future.
Five candidates have been nominated for the position of Chief: Kenny Basque, Noelle Julian, Tahirih Paul, Wayne Johnson, and incumbent Chief Wilbert Marshall.
Meanwhile, 31 candidates are vying for the community’s eight Council seats. Election Day is set for Tuesday, August 11, with an advance poll taking place on August 6.
Potlotek Band Manager Jocelyn Marshall says the number of candidates reflects a healthy level of interest in community leadership. “I feel like it’s kind of high but, you know, there’s eight seats there. This is the only way people are going to figure out if Chief and Council is something in their future. This is the first step.”
While the election determines who will serve as the community’s elected leaders for the next four years, Marshall says the role of Chief and Council extends well beyond attending meetings or making day-to-day decisions. “The simplest answer,” she explains, “is that they’re elected to provide leadership for the community, to set the direction for the Nation and make decisions that are in the best interests of our members.”
Chief and Council are responsible for establishing the Nation’s vision and priorities, approving budgets and policies, ensuring public funds are managed responsibly, and representing Potlotek in discussions with other governments and organizations. They also provide governance while the community’s administrative staff oversee daily operations and deliver programs and services.
Marshall says maintaining that distinction is essential. “Chief and Council are responsible for governing. They set the direction and make the policy decisions, while day-to-day staff and operations are carried out by administration. That separation helps ensure accountability, transparency and effective leadership.”
Potlotek’s eight Council seats are determined under the First Nations Elections Act, which bases representation on population. Marshall says the community currently has just over 800 members. “We’re just a little bit over 800 members in our community. Per hundred, a seat is given. So there’s eight seats. When we reach 900, we’ll add another seat to Council.”
Eligible Potlotek members living off reserve who wish to vote by mail must request a mail-in ballot. Under the First Nations Elections Act, ballots are issued only upon request and applications must be submitted directly by the voter, along with government-issued identification. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is August 5.
An advance poll will be held on August 6, followed by Election Day on August 11. Marshall notes that accommodations are available for Elders and others who may have difficulty getting to the polls. “If they contact the Electoral Officer, she’s willing to make accommodations to allow people to vote… We’ve also purchased two 17-passenger buses, so those will be running this year.”
With a full slate of candidates and several opportunities to cast a ballot, Potlotek Mi’kmaw Nation members will soon decide who will provide leadership and represent the community over the next four-year term.
