Elections
Okanese First Nation holds regular elections to determine its leadership and ensure that the community's interests and priorities are being represented. These elections are an important part of the community's democratic process and play a critical role in shaping its future.
​
The Okanese First Nation holds its elections every two years, as mandated by the Indian Act. During these elections, community members are given the opportunity to vote for their Chief and Council members. The Chief and Council are responsible for overseeing the community's operations and making decisions that impact its future. They work closely with community members and stakeholders to ensure that the community's needs and priorities are being addressed.
​
The Okanese First Nation has a rich history of democratic processes and the election of leaders to represent the community's interests. The community's democratic process has evolved over time, reflecting the changing needs and priorities of its members.
​
The history of elections on Okanese First Nation can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1924, the Indian Act was amended to include provisions for the election of chiefs and council members in Indigenous communities across Canada, including the Okanese First Nation. Prior to this, community leaders were chosen based on their hereditary status or other traditional criteria.
​
The first recorded election on Okanese First Nation took place in 1934, with the community's first elected Chief being John Halkett. From that point on, the community began to hold regular elections to determine its leadership. However, the election process was not always smooth or without controversy. In some cases, candidates were disqualified or the election results were disputed.
​
In 1951, the Indian Act was amended again to allow Indigenous communities to create their own election codes. This gave the Okanese First Nation greater autonomy over its election process and allowed the community to tailor its election procedures to meet its specific needs and priorities.
The next election is being held in October of 2023​
Chief Richard Stonechild
Chief Richard Stonechild is a prominent leader and respected member of the Okanese First Nation community. He has dedicated his life to serving his community and advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Chief Stonechild has played a key role in shaping the future of Okanese First Nation and has worked tirelessly to promote its cultural, social, and economic well-being.
​
Born and raised in the Okanese First Nation community, Chief Stonechild has deep roots in the area and a strong connection to its traditions and values. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career, including serving as a Council member and then Deputy Chief, before being elected as Chief in 2018.
Chief Stonechild's leadership is characterized by his unwavering commitment to his community and his vision for a better future for its members. He has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and has worked to build strong partnerships with governments, businesses, and other Indigenous communities to advance his community's interests.
