Consultation Vote Results

A Victory for Reform

Over the last week the Kwantlen people have been speaking and voting about reforming our Nation. The response has been overwhelming. Thank-you for your faith in our true Customary Laws, our newly expanded Band Council, and our mission to make a Kwantlen that belongs to everyone.

Election Results

The Consultation Vote asked Kwantlen voters 6 questions. The results are as follows.

Voter Turnout

68 out of Kwantlen’s 214 identified, voting-age band members voted. To understand the scale of that - Kwantlen has fewer than 60 voting age Band Members on reserve.

Besides the 68, another 30+ band members expressed a desire to vote for Reform, but didn’t do so out of fear of retribution. Many more could not be reached.

Numerous reports came in today of the behaviour of Marilyn’s supporters towards Reform supporters and their families. Marilyn Gabriel’s legal threats also scared many away from voting at the last minute - out of fear that their names would be revealed in her court case.

And in spite of that… 68 brave Kwantlen people stood up to be counted. Many live on reserve, many are elders, youth, and band employees.

Here is what they decided:

Question 1: Do you agree that the General Assembly (sƛ̓ənəq) held on November 27th was done in accordance with the customs of the Kwantlen people?

Yes: 93.1%

No: 6.9%

Question 2: Do you agree with the November 27th Resolution to remove Marilyn Gabriel from the Kwantlen Band Council?

Yes: 96.49%

No: 3.51%

Question 3: Do you agree with the November 27th Resolution to order the Kwantlen First Nation Indian Act Band Council to bring a new Governance Code to a vote of the people within 90 days of the General Assembly?

Yes: 100%

No: 0%

Question 4: Do you agree with the November 27th Resolution to order the Kwantlen First Nation Indian Act Band Council to temporarily expand the Kwantlen First Nation Band Council from 3 to 5 members until a new Governance Code and governance framework can be ratified by the Kwantlen members?

Yes: 96.83%

No: 3.17%

Question 5: Do you agree with the November 27th Resolution to recognize the Whonnock Reserve Local Authority?

Yes: 71.74%

No: 28.26%

Question 6: Do you support Marilyn Gabriel, Tumia Knott, and Les Antone, in their refusal to be bound by the decisions of the General Assembly held on November 27th?

Yes: 6.67%

No: 93.33%

What comes next?

It is clear that the Kwantlen Nation stands behind our customary laws, and the decisions of the November 27th General Assembly. It is clear that the Nation rejects Marilyn Gabriel and her games. And it is clear that the Nation wants council to act. And we will.

It is after midnight on February 15th, so later today, our legal team will communicate with Marilyn’s - and we will ensure that the transition in the governance of this Nation is not delayed any further.

Additionally the new Governance Code has gone through feedback review and will be posted for all band members to review by the end of this week. Band council will meet in regular session next week to set a date for the Governance Code Referendum.

Thank-you all for your work in making Kwantlen better.