BINGWI NEYAASHI ANISHINAABEK – Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) have announced Laura Airns has been elected as Chief. Chief Airns states, “As Chief, I want to work to end the divisiveness in our membership. Our people in Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and in communities across Canada are facing many challenges. We have seen in recent months that by working together, our people can do a better job of moving our families and communities forward.”
The election is a result of a vote conducted of the First Nation’s membership on January 19th, 2013. Airns won with 83 votes. Councillor Grace Dow was the runner-up with 51 votes. Joe Ladouceur and Lillian Calder were also elected to Council Airns has been a Councillor for Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek for the last 8 years.
The 31 yearold is now one of the youngest women to take on the position of Chief in Canada. She has a wealth of experience in community and membership issues, First Nation administration, and economic development.
The election took place according to the conditions of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Elections Code and enforced by seasoned electoral officer, Elizabeth Redsky. The voting process provided for onsite polling as well as mail in ballots to ensure maximum representation of the membership.
