Stepping Up and Forward...

It has been without a doubt a tough week for our community and the Dick Family. I know that our hearts and prayers go out to the family, and that we will all support them through this difficult time as best as each of us can. The Dick Family lost a son, father and husband...and the community lost a leader and good man far to soon. It was an honor and a pleasure knowing Ralph Jr. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched, but never forgotten.

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This blog is about those that step up and forward in our community to facilitate change, success and opportunity in Our community. I hear about these people all the time from Members...the unsung heroes who work at the band office, volunteer on Council or just simply volunteer, and pursue the knowledge of our Culture with passion and poise. These are the real leaders in Our community...I think it is about time that they were acknowledged and celebrated. Don't you?

At the core of why I am running for Chief & Council, my platform so to speak, has always been about this communities greatest assets - its People. Regardless of the 4 priorities I spoke about in my opening blog or the community newsletter that went out last week (Treaty Resolution, New Funding Priorities in Education and Social Programs, Economic Development or Proper Community Consultation) the fundamental aspect has to be about making sure that Our people are informed, involved and celebrated.

When I look at the situation now - I see only a hint of its full potential. Not all members are informed (off reserve members often feel disconnected), involved (in fact some tell me they are intentionally forced away) or celebrated (when was the last time the community celebrated the successes and triumphs of its individual citizens?) The time is now to build a strong social fabric in our community by engaging our Members in new, different and continuous ways to build the "family" that is We Wai Kai.

A community is only as strong as the ties that bind it together. We have the technology (think internet and all the social networking opportunities that are developing), resources and the ability to make this difference. The cost is so minimal, but the outcomes are huge and monumental. It is time to set aside some old ways, to vanquish tired notions of entitlement, and move forward in to this century and redefine our Community as ONE proud and strong people.

Ultimately, we must celebrate the individuals who represent this community, families and aboriginal people. There are many who live their lives with dignity, commitment and respect for each and everyone one of us. We lost one this week unexpectedly - I regret that we had not taken the time to celebrate his life more fully sooner. Our community has many people who represent the idea of what a great Members is. I would suggest that we should do more to recognize and celebrate these Members. I would suggest that we need to do so in a culturally appropriate manner, and that we have a duty to do so.

I commit to you that if elected as Chief that is exactly what we will do!

Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief