Collins said although he originally wasn’t going to run in Thursday’s election, he is now glad that he did.
"My thoughts were around federal or provincial politics and after I looked at it a bit longer, I thought those are people that I fight against day in and day out; my job is better served here in the community," Collins said. "I think this is where I belong."
Turnout for the election, which saw three new councillors elected to the 12-member council, was around 50 per cent. Collins took 205 votes, while Mike Pelletier Sr. came in second in the eight-way chief’s race with 167 votes.
Collins said because terms are only two years, this council may look to extend its term in an effort to get more work done between elections.
An elder’s centre, health centre and a daycare facility are just a few of the infrastructure projects Collins wants to complete this term.
"We’re excited about the endeavours that we put forward to help improve this community and the health of our members," he said.
While the Neebing land claim has been paid out to members, Collins said a boundary claim, expected to come at the end of March, has been delayed because of the federal election.
"It’s unfortunate for the members," Collins said. "All we can do is be patient and bide our time and wait for the election to be done."
Now that the First Nation community is debt free, he said he thinks the future is bright.
Below is a list of the new 12-member Fort William First Nation council:
- Ian Bannon
- Cathy Roger
- Leo Bannon Sr.
- Philip Pelletier
- Sherry Pelletier
- Guy Collins
- Leo Bannon Jr.
- Wally Bannon
- Georganne Morriseau
- Tony Collins
- Val Chapman
- Mike Pelletier Sr.
