Chief & Council Inaugurated
Inauguration of Chief & Council
Pictured from left to right: Councilor Tony Miller, Councilor Ron Simonson, Councilor Candace Narvie, Councilor Jake Caplin, Councilor Daniel Caplin, Councilor Karen Narvie, Councilor Chris George
On Sunday, August 13th, Ugpi’ganjig First Nation’s newly elected Chief and Council were officially inaugurated at the Ugpi’ganjig Heritage Garden. The Ceremony began at 4:00PM and was MCed By CEO Tanya Barnaby, with opening prayer delivered by Nora LaBillois. Nora also performed the honor song with Tanya Martinez, Lenny LaBillois and Susan LaBillois . Earl LaBillois was also present, smudging attendees as they entered.
Councilors Candace Narvie, Chris George, Daniel Caplin, Karen Narvie, Ron Simonson & Tony Miller, as well as Chief Jake Caplin, were sworn in by community member and commissioner of oaths, Shelley Balfour-Coulombe. Councilor Everett Martin could not attend the ceremony.
Chief Jake Caplin was presented his Headdress, a symbol of his office, by his own granddaughter, Taylor Arsenault, who travelled from British Columbia for the event.
In attendance were representatives from neighbouring communities, such as the council of Heron Bay (Formerly the town of Dalhousie and village of Charlo), Chief and Council of Pabineau, and delegates from Governmental bodies such as MLA Guy Arsenault, and representatives of the Port of Belledune.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony attendees were served salmon dinner by their newly inaugurated Chief & Council.
We would like to offer heartfelt thanks to all those who were in attendance, Additional special thanks to Colleen Gauvin, who catered the event.
Additional photos of the event can be seen in the gallery below.