Inaugural Sitting of Wilp Si’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a Following 2020 Nisg̱a’a Nation General Election
The inaugural sitting of Wilp Si’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a took place today, following the November 4th Nisg̱a’a Nation General Election.
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic and ensuing Provincial and Nisg̱a’a public health orders on public gatherings and social distancing, the 37 member elected body participated virtually via Zoom at multiple locations.
“I want to congratulate all members of Wilp Si’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a – whether you are new or returning,” said Nisg̱a’a Nation President Eva Clayton who was elected to a second term in the election. “Congratulations to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and the members of the Striking Committee.”
The agenda for the inaugural sitting of Wilp SI’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a following a general election is prescribed in legislation and is specific to the administration of the oath of office for each elected member, the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker and constituting of the Striking Committee who will oversee the composition of Committees of the House.
Lax̱g̱alts’ap Village and Ging̱olx Village Councillors Kevin McKay and George Moore, respectively, were duly nominated and elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Wilp Si’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a by their peers.
In another round of nominations, the House then considered candidates for the Striking Committee and Ging̱olx Village Councillor George Moore, Gitlax̱t’aamiks Village Councillor Noah Guno, Gitlax̱dax Urban Local Representative Arthur Mercer and Gitwinksihlkw Village Councillor Andrew Nyce each accepted their nominations to form the Committee with George Moore selected by the House to sit as Chair of the Committee.
In the coming months, the newly formed Wilp Si’ayuuḵhl Nisg̱a’a will work with their respective Nisg̱a’a Village and Nisg̱a’a Urban Local administrations as well as Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government to schedule a series of orientation sessions on the various aspects of the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement and Nisg̱a’a legislation as it pertains to the various legislative and administrative requirements for the sound operation of Nisg̱a’a Government.