D. Bruce Clarke, Q.C.

File: ACADB-1012129
April 3, 2020

To: Electors of the Wasoqopa’q First Nation

We are the solicitors for the Wasoqopa’q First Nation and have been asked by Chief and Council to update you on the status of the 2020 election process. The election process was expected to start with a Nomination Meeting on May 5th, with an election on June 13th.

As everyone knows, we are in the middle of a public health crisis due to COVID-19. The Province of Nova Scotia has declared a State of Emergency and has made an Order prohibiting persons from gathering in groups of more than five.

Indigenous Services Canada has recommended that First Nations postpone elections during this health crisis, and Federal and Provincial Health authorities have recommended all Canadians practice social distancing.

Social distancing during an election process (nomination meeting, campaigning, voting) is not conducive to the success of the democratic process. Further, Wasoqopa’q Band members are at serious risk of contagion from this virus.

In this circumstance, Chief and Council have exercised their power to postpone the 2020 election until a future date, expected to be in the Autumn of 2020. The exact date will be determined by Chief and Council when the length of this health crisis is better understood.

For more information, you can go to the Wasoqopa’q First Nation website, and click on the tab for “Election”. There you will find a copy of (a) the BCR postponing the election and (b) the 2020 Election Handbook, recently approved by Wasoqopa’q's Electoral Officer, Brenda Tracey.

Until the new election date, Chief and Council will continue to govern in the best interests of the First Nation and its members, and you should check the official Wasoqopa’q First Nation website for updates.

Yours very truly,

D. Bruce Clarke, Q.C.
DBC/grm

• Election Results - Complete Tally (118 KB)
• Final Election Results (703 KB)
• Election Results - Scrutinized (931 KB)
• Acadia First Nation Election - Advance Poll -Results (108 KB)
• Polling Information 2020 C&C Election (152 KB)
• Candidates Contact Information (293 KB)  
• Election Handbook 2020 (221 KB) (UPDATED)
• Election Band Council Resolution (958 KB)
• Burchell's Letter (105 KB)
• Pre-Election Notice (30 KB)

Portfolio: Elder, Economic Development, Physical Activity, Culture, Housing

Rachel and family resides in Greenville Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. She is a mother of two children and grandmother of three, also is the fourth youngest sibling of 16. Rachel's mother was the most important role model in her adult life. She attended Yarmouth High School and also completed management training in 1997. Previous to becoming councilor she was the first manager hired by Wasoqopa’q First Nation in January 1997 to Your Winners World AFN, she also managed Winners Corner and AFN Entertainment Center she was employed for 18 years. Your Winners Worlds brought her the most passion and pride, as it was Wasoqopa’q First Nation’s first retail business. It was the most successful and eventually grew into a multimillion-dollar retail giant for which she is very proud. She was previously employed for 3 years on reserve by privately owned and operated SAV Enterprise.

Rachel was elected to Wasoqopa’q First Nation Council on June 13,2015. With her she brings 25 years of retail experience to the Economic Development team. She strives to bring Wasoqopa’q First Nation into its’ own sustainable Nation. She is determined to work hard to unite all of Wasoqopa’q First Nation’s 6 communities together as one.

Rachel has great passion for keeping our youth, young adults and Elders physically active. If we don’t keep active that is when we start feeling negative effects on our health, that is why she encourages our members to stay active.

Rachel is honored that she is able to learn about our culture through her work as councilor of Wasoqopa’q First Nation and is part of some amazing committees such as; Emergency Management, Rec Fund, Rose Purdy Recreation & Community Centre, Harvest Feast, AFN Language Committee, and Mi’kmaq Summer games.

“love the world as your own self, then you can truly care for all things."

Portfolio: Health, Finance, Elders, Housing, NSPI, SARS, Deputy Chief

Avis was elected to the Band Council in June of 2015. Prior to that, she was an employee with WFN for 15 years where, she worked from the Medway Office located in Greenfield.

She resides in Milton, Queens County, with her husband and son. Avis is also a graduate of Compu College School of Business. She currently holds the Health portfolio and is the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. She sits on numerous committees and working groups within the ever-growing First Nation community. Some of these include: health, finance, emergency management, recreation and culture, Ponhook Trust, Tusket and Mersey Dam Refurbishment, and Housing.

Avis works from both the Medway and Wildcat offices when not engaged in meetings. She believes in WFN and the importance of members working together to help build a strong community. She prides herself on her strong work ethic and being actively involved within the community. Avis works very closely with WFN staff and program directors and professes that “our staff, administration, and businesses are the backbone of our First Nation; without them we would not have been able to grow and prosper as much as we have.”

Avis applauds the fact that “we as a collective team and community have worked very hard during the last few years to develop and build stronger policies and procedures, as well as, economic development opportunities”. She looks forward to the many opportunities that await all band members.