Tansi, my name is Melinda Kachina Bige- I am Denesuline, Cree, and Metis. My kids are Kwantlen as well as from these communities. My husband is Brandon Gabriel. We are doing this fundraiser for Indigenous Families in need.

Background: As some of you know, Brandon as well as, Chris Thomas & Victor Back were elected at a General assembly that made four resolutions which I will list at the bottom. One of the resolutions was to fire Marilyn Gabriel for several reasons. Further, elected 3 new band councilors in addition to the two who were already working for the past 30 years. Since this time, the former Chief has refused to leave office, and the senior band councilors have sided with the former Chief. Leading up to the general assembly Kwantlen members were threatened in various ways if they attended. After the general assembly, many members who were seen as siding with the desire for democracy and leadership change continued to experience bullying and many of their resources were cut.

Goal: The desire is to raise some funds to assist families who have been punished for standing up for democracy. These funds will be given to families who have had funding cuts for childcare, education, rent, and medical services.

In the spirit of reparations for the harm to Indigenous families from the dastardly effects of imperialism, colonialism, and genocide, which include what people know as "residential schools".

4 Resolutions at the Kwantlen sƛ̓ənəq (General Assembly) and results:

Resolution 1: To terminate Marilyn Gabriel from Band Council.

34 Yes

2 No

Resolution 2:To order the Band Council to bring the Governance Code to a vote within 90 Days.

37 Yes

0 No

Resolution 3:To temporarily expand Band Council to 5 members.

37 Yes

0 No

Resolution 4:To recognize the Whonnock reserve authority as an integral part of Kwantlen, with certain powers.

33 yes

1 No

Election - 3 Band Council Seats Vacant

Christopher Thomas - 35 (elected)

Natache Gabriel - 16

Nicole Iaci - 13

Brandon Gabriel - 36 (elected)

Daniel Jago - 25

Alex Mercer - 15

Victor Back - 32 (elected)

Quorum of 12% of the band (including their registered band member dependents) was reached, and exceeded.