Executive Council Selected at First Sitting of Tla’amin Legislative Assembly
October 2, 2024
Tla’amin hegus and lawmakers met on October 2nd, 2024, for the inaugural meeting of the 2024-2028 Tla’amin Legislature. All elected officials attended in person and swore the Gunn-a-wooth (oath of office). All Legislators met the requirement to complete and submit conflict of interest declarations.
Tla’amin Nation Legislative Assembly on October 2, 2024. From left: Legislators Brandon Louie, Erik Blaney, Callum Galligos, Dillon Johnson, Losa Luaifoa, Tanner Timothy, Gloria Francis, hegus John Hackett and Brandon Peters.
The swearing in ceremony opened with a prayer from Elsie Paul, the Tla’amin celebration song by Drew Blaney, and was livestreamed and recorded.
Business completed during the first legislative session included the selection of Executive Councillors and house post appointments. According to Tla’amin law, Executive Council is comprised of Tla’amin hegus and four Legislators.
House post appointments for the 2024-2028 term are as follows:
- Finance and Administration -Dillon Johnson
- Community Services – Brandon Louie
- Lands and Resources – Callum Galligos
- Public Works – Losa Luaifoa
- Community Economic Development – Hegus John Hackett
House posts, like cabinet ministers, hold broad responsibilities for their service areas including overseeing the development and evaluation of Tla’amin laws, policies, and programs. They serve as spokespeople, attend committee meetings, and actively participate report and represent their house post at the Legislative Assembly, Executive Council, and Tla’amin General Assembly.
Legislators not assigned to Executive Council may introduce legislation, contribute to the development, discussion, and enactment of Tla’amin laws and policies, provide essential oversight and representation for Tla’amin members, advocating for citizen needs. The Tla’amin Legislature reviews and approves the Nation’s budget and audit and supports treaty implementation efforts.
Hegus John Hackett said “Today we held our first Legislative Assembly. I am honoured and excited to serve the Tla’amin community alongside our newly elected Legislative Assembly and Executive Council. We have a very diverse team that bring a wide variety of education and experience to our governance table. I’m looking forward to working with this team to keep moving our Nation forward.”
In other business, Hegus John Hackett and Dillon Johnson were appointed to the Tla’amin Finance committee. A number of community-serving board and committee appointments including the Economic Development Committee, Citizenship Committee, and Review and Appeal Panel are coming up for renewal and Tla’amin citizens are encouraged to apply.
The first sitting of the Legislative assembly was delayed due to recount. Tla’amin Nation received its final election results on September 23, 2024. The next meeting of the Legislative Assembly is expected to be December 11, 2024. The first meeting of the Executive Council is expected to be October 16, 2024.