Two petitions against Kukpi7 Doug Thomas by two band members challenging his elected right to continue to lead the Splatsin people have been dismissed.
More recently, a third petition was brought against the chief by three Splatsin council members on June 6, 2023, and this was also dismissed as of June 19.
The first hearing was brought against Thomas by Splatsin band member Gloria Morgan in May and the second by band member River Cook Christian. The third challenge was brought against the chief by councillors Theresa William, Sabrina Vergata and Leonard Edwards.
One additional petition (fourth challenge) is currently outstandinsg and is scheduled to be heard in mid-July. This petition was initiated by the above named council members.
Until this remaining issue is resolved, Thomas will remain on suspension with pay.
“The board gave consideration to our applications but decided that there was just not enough evidence. That does not mean that our applications were baseless,” Morgan told The Morning Star in response to the petition results.
Thomas stands by his election promises to bring change to the community, stating: “The division in our community is likely exposing the fear to change.”
Thomas wishes to get a handle on ensuring transparency and revamping the election code to ensure processes are handled in a fair, consistent, and cost-effective manner.
“There is an exorbitant cost with each petition that our community must pay,” he said. “There are issues that our community faces and resolving these issues has come to a standstill during this time of petition process.”
Community members are discussing a membership-funded community forum to seek answers and hold people accountable for their actions.
READ MORE: Splatsin chief suspended as hearings take place to decide his fate
READ MORE: Splatsin chief to remain in power as band members lose challenge of his leadership
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