Bernard White is known as being a low-key, but one who has supported many people.
He believes his record of helping people is what got him elected as the Qalipu First Nation’s ward councillor for Benoit’s Cove for the third time on Tuesday.
White was at the Royal Canadian Legion in Corner Brook when the official word came in of his win over Darren Greene.
“I don’t go around bragging about nothing and I’m a helper,” said White after a swarm of supporters offered their congratulations. “I’ll always be there for the people.”
At 75 he said he still has a lot of work in him but he loves what he's doing.
White knows the band has a lot to do to overcome the controversy that has surrounded it with regards to the enrolment process.
“... The ones that lost their cards, we’ve got to try to get them back for them.”
He said the band also has to work on getting an urban reserve, fish quotas, general labour work, providing educational opportunities and on promoting its culture.
While a few wards would like to see the urban reserve in their area, White said a survey has identified Corner Brook as the best location and he believes the band has to go with what’s best for the band.
White has been criticized in the past for not holding ward meetings, and said he’ll do his best to communicate with the people, but there are times when that’s not going to be possible.
He said if the band is in negotiations then it can’t always be talked about until agreements or deals are completed.
