Inclusiveness, women’s issues priorities for new Penticton Indian Band chief

PENTICTON – The new chief of the Penticton Indian Band wants to see all members involved in band decision making and more attention paid to women’s issues.

Chad Eneas was elected chief Wednesday night, Oct. 19, unseating two-term incumbent chief Jonathan Kruger in a three-way race.

Eneas meet with family, friends, supporters and the media today, Oct. 21, promising to create a community where women were free from fear. He also wants to establish a decision process that involves everyone.

Eneas says the chief’s role “wasn’t something I was looking for” but was asked to step forward by elder.

The newly elected chief talked about the values he expected to bring to the council table, noting the importance of culture in the band’s processes and actions.

“The way we do things is different. I’m looking forward to stand that process up, so we can all have prosperity, and wealth and health in our life,” he said.

He also noted members of the community who contributed to the band but weren’t in the spotlight, saying he recognized those people as contributors in a team effort to improve the band’s fortunes.

Eneas said his biggest initial challenge would be getting through the transition period.

“Getting in line with where things are at now, and moving forward. I want to hear from more community members,” he said.

Hereditary chief and elder Adam Eneas noted moving forward would involve a team effort involving the community “and that community across the river," referring to the City of Penticton.

“If we are to start developing — and we will develop — it’s my dream to maintain economic freedom. If we maintain our dependency on federal funding we’ll never be free,” Adam said.

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