Recently elected Fort William First Nation chief Georjann Morriseau says the first step to bringing prosperity to her community is developing a plan.
The rookie 28-year-old chief bested rival Michael Pelletier Sunday by a vote count of 243-238. Morriseau, who served a term as a band councillor, takes over from Peter Collins who decided to end his 13-year career as chief by not running in the election.
Although Morriseau doesn’t officially take on the responsibilities of chief for another week, she said she wants to start goal-setting and succession planning.
“One of our many goals is our young people and how we’re going to engage them and how we’re going to provide them the opportunity to contribute back to their community,” Morriseau said.
“We need to focus on ways that can engage all of our community and ensure everyone is included in the decision making process. I know there have been talks of for many years of building an elder’s centre and more youth facilities.
“I know these are some of the things we will be discussing but like anything, you need a plan. You need to know why you’re achieving those goals and how you’re going to do it.”
Having won the election by a close margin, she said she was surprised by the results but felt both humbled and honoured that members of her community chose her as chief.
Besides being involved in politics, Morriseau works for a not-for-profit organization called Governance Development Network.
She has also spent time working with youth.
