Squamish Nation councillor steps down for his health. What happens next
Sinámḵin Jody Broomfield has resigned his seat on the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Council for personal and medical reasons. He told Council on November 4, with ceremony, and the resignation took effect right away. The Nation's Electoral Commission will guide the next steps for the empty seat.
What happened
On November 4, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Councillor Sinámḵin Jody Broomfield told the Nation's Council he is resigning his seat. He gave his resignation in a ceremony that morning. It took effect right away.
He said he is leaving for personal and medical reasons. The Nation said this is the right decision for him and his health, and that Council fully supports him.
What happens to the seat
The Nation says that, under its laws and governance structure, its Electoral Commission has been called in to guide the next steps for the now vacant council seat. The Nation says it will share more information with its community shortly.
In his own words
In a statement, Broomfield said serving the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People "has been one of the greatest privileges of my life" and thanked people for their trust and support.
He said it was "a decision I have struggled with for some time and did not make lightly," and that he needs time to focus on his health.
He said he will keep being active in the community and will continue to serve his people in the best way he can, even though he is stepping away from the Council table.
To his fellow councillors, he wrote: "Continue pulling that canoe for our People in the right direction." He closed with "One heart, one mind" and "Chen kwenmatuniyap," which he translated as "I thank you all."