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Qalipu election: Benwah adding his name to ballot for chief

Published on September 22, 2012; Published on September 22, 2012
Diane Crocker

After originally declaring his intention to run for one of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band council positions in the ward of Port au Port, Jasen Benwah has changed his mind.

Topics :: Benoit First Nation

Instead, the DeGrau man and acting chief of the Benoit First Nation has decided to run for chief of the Qalipu band in the Oct. 23 election. He’ll file his nomination papers on Monday.

“They need leadership that’s going to be working for them and I would love to work for the people,” said Benwah.

If elected, a priority for Benwah will be to make the band more accessible and more transparent.

“And then along with the council develop a long-term plan of strategy and goals.”

His goal would be to bring the band to the people so that they do not feel left out of the picture, which he said so many do now.

“I’d like to have the band members see that this band is working for them, and listening to them and responding to their needs.

“The numbers will be helpful. You’ll have more support and it’ll be a powerful organization.”

dcrocker@thewesternstar.com

Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker

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jasen benwah

- September 25, 2012 at 15:31:36

I agree that it is troubling the way the current Band Council is rushing this election. Google my name and read all about me. However, The Mi'kmaq Community knows me well, and anyone who has been part of the struggle for the last 10 years knows. I have been Chief of a regional band outside the FNI since 2004 and I have been pushing for cultural programs, Mi'kmaq education, song and drumming. I spent 10 years researching my family lines and sharing this information with all who ask. I have been a founding member of the Bay St. George Mi'kmaq Cultural Revival Committee and a strong support er of the Flat Bay Pow-wow. Having said all this I have filed my nomination papers and I will be running in the ward of Port au Port and I do so in order to reduce the number running against the current Chief because if too many people run against him - the vote will be split and he will be reelected. On Oct 23rd I humbly as for your support.

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Concerned Member

- September 22, 2012 at 11:16:08

What I find troubling about this election is why the need to vote so early before the voters in this province can get to know anything about these individuals running for the band? I would think that a lot of people don't know any of these people like myself and that not necessarily the best for the positions will get voted in. Also, I hope that individuals from each part of the province get elected to look after all needs of all locations. Offices should not only be on the west coast as we all should benefit from this band as a whole.

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- Sparkle
  
  - September 26, 2012 at 08:15:49
  
  I agree with the concerned member. There should be a separate section or ward dedicated to the people off of the island, as we have a huge population off of the island. Remember, many of them were forced to leave because of the lack of work on the island long ago. These people had children born off of the island that are just as entitled as everyone else to know about what is going on about the band and the candidates. As well, I live in the capital city of newfoundland and as it stands right now, I can only do a mail in ballot. We come to these areas to work and provide for our families. Others come out to St. John's to go to get an education. We should not be discriminated because of it.

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