"Seeking change with New Credit First Nation's election"

NEW CREDIT - With the general election fast approaching, Mississauga New Credit First Nation's (MNCFN) people are ready for change.

"I see a need to engage people more," said Carolyn King, community organizer, and former Chief of New Credit. "There is not a lot of engagement in the election process between the council and members of the community right now."

A forum to meet the candidates running for Chief and councillors was held on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and brought attention to an issue that several of the candidates said needs to be addressed in the coming electoral term - open communication.

"Communication needs to be a priority and is important in running a community council and even a business or family," said Andrea M. Sault, a councillor candidate. "No communication means no success."

Two individuals are running for Chief - R. Stacey LaForme and Larry Sault, along with the 24 individuals that are running for councillor. Although open communication with the entire MNCFN is a top priority, other key issues were addressed by the candidates.

Faith Rivers, also a candidate for councillor, said that she wants to see the younger generation become more educated and cognizant of the healthcare and education systems. As well as for them to be given more reasons to be proud of where they come from.

"I want to see positive changes and a good solid [electoral] team that will leave a strong legacy for future generations and a better community," said Rivers.

Another candidate for councillor, Stephanie (Stephi) L. LaForme, said that open communication concerning financial investments within the community need to become a priority.

"I'd like to see education here funded more ­- all students who want to go to college or university should be able to go," said Stephi.

One of the candidates, Valerie King, would like the see this election run not as a popularity contest but wishes for the people to base their votes on individuals that demonstrate commitment to the people, good intentions, respect and honesty.

"The voting process should get back to how things use to be," said Valerie King. "Based off of the candidates actions."

George Lewis (Clyde) King, another candidate for councillor, said that a strong leadership team is lacking in the community and a good way to fix this is to effectively tell the story of the MNCFN's history so that those (especially the younger members of the community) might understand and appreciate where they come from.

"There is no [sense of] community here," said Clyde. "Our history needs to be told right."

Other candidates, like Evan Sault, feel that the youth are the future and need to be properly educated to preserve the community's history and legacies.

"We need funding for all aspects of education ­from daycare to post-secondary," said Evan.

The only candidate for Chief who was at the forum, LaForme, agrees that open communication is a large part of what will help revitalize the MNCFN - yet, understands that it will be a lot of work for everybody.

"Everything that we hope to accomplish can not be done by the Chief alone," said LaForme. "We need to come together as a team to help our community feel unified."

Not all 24 candidates were at the forum on Tuesday but Carolyn King has organized another meet and greet to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 where there will be another chance to meet with the candidates before the election on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.