Statement from the Deputy Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams

Press Release

September 11, 2025

To the membership of Lax Kw’alaams:

As Deputy Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams, I must address allegations raised in a recent invalid Band Council Resolution (the “BCR”), and the violation of our Election Regulations (the “Regulations”) – the Regulations can be found on Lax Kw’alaams’ government website at https://laxkwalaams.ca/election-policies-reports/.

The invalid BCR was tabled at a Special Council Meeting held August 18, 2025 (posted later on social media), and at that meeting a Councillor made serious allegations against Mayor Garry Reece. It is crucial for Lax Kw’alaams members to understand these allegations were not supported by evidence, which is required under the Regulations. Further, the way the BCR was submitted also violated proper procedure and fairness under the Regulations.

Elections, elected official conduct, and processes for complaints and removal from office are key parts of any democracy. Lax Kw’alaams members exercised their authority and fundamental right to vote on and pass the Regulations through referendum. As a matter of respect for our members, Councillors must follow the Regulations diligently.

Due to lack of proper process, Council took action by passing a new resolution on August 22, 2025 that declared the former BCR invalid for failure to respect or follow the Regulations and required procedure. The new resolution also affirmed Mayor Garry Reece remains Lax Kw’alaams Council Chairperson and Mayor.

Recent public accusations against Mayor Reece, a leader who has served our community with dedication for decades with strong membership support, are potentially defamatory. If there are concerns about leadership, they must be dealt with under the Regulations through proper procedures, and with evidence.

Unproven accusations made publicly through social media are reckless, divide our community, and distract us from the important work we need to do together. These comments are not in our peoples’ best interest, they damage the reputation of our Council, and result in weakened confidence of the people we serve.

Our Council remains committed to fairness, integrity, and due process. As Deputy Mayor, I have full confidence in our members to set leadership and governance standards. I stand firm with our members against violations of our important Regulations passed by referendum, and against any action that causes division and distracts from important work in service of our community and members.

Our priority must remain building strong and united leadership for the benefit of our members, community, and future generations. On behalf of the leadership of Lax Kw’alaams, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding member-led governance processes, protecting the reputation of our government institutions, and ensuring all concerns are addressed fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the Regulations.

Respectfully,

Kelly Sampson
Deputy Mayor, Lax Kw’alaams Band

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