July, 11th, 2011

Dear Klahoose Band Members,

Over the last couple weeks I have done a inventory of my life and much reflection on my role as chief of the Klahoose First Nation. After much consideration I have decided to step down effective immediately.

It is not one defining moment or reason for resigning but a myriad of reasons. The most important of which is my desire to reconnect with my family who have seen very little of me through the last 5 years.
It has been an amazing journey with unprecedented growth and success on so many fronts. When I look back on what has been accomplished it is nothing short of remarkable. Difficult decisions were made and at times it became very tumultuous, but based on the overwhelming support in three consecutive elections it’s very clear we made the right decisions.

The employment growth, economic growth, educational opportunities, infrastructure investment, healthy relationships with government and administration (programming), has a productivity never seen in the bands history. As difficult as it has been deciding to step down, I do it with peace of mind knowing our Nation is far better off today than it was four years ago.

These accomplishments were achieved because we had a team of committed people that always put their interests second to the bands interests.
I would like to give a big heartfelt thank you to Kathy Francis, Jessie Louie, Wayne Pielle and Mavis Kok. I know all of you emotionally invested in your community on a very considerable level, never taking for granted the impact of the decisions made at the council table. I look back on our history of working together in finding solutions with great pride.
Bev Hills, your candour, experience and wisdom was indispensable. I know how tirelessly you worked and the added value you brought to the Nation. I am thankful for your work as Band Administrator but even more thankful for your friendship.

Lastly but equally as important I want to thank those who supported me in every election through some of the most exciting times in the Nation’s history. Your support was validation that my reluctance to perpetuate the misgivings of prior leadership and their burning desire to appear busy participating in wheel spinning meetings with no tangible result was the correct course of action.

In my time as the Chief of the Klahoose First Nation it has proven to be the most rewarding period of my life and it is highlighted by the relationships I have been able to cultivate with members of our community. You have been my base for 5 years and some of you feel like an extension of my family.

As I reflect back I am reminded of what anchored me the most over the last 4 years and it was the memory of my Grandmother. Although she has passed 11 years ago she still has an amazing impact on my life. She was a moral compass for me especially when times got very difficult and there were numerous occasions where I tried to think of how she would react or what decision she would make under the same circumstances. I am sure she is amazed and proud of what has happened in the Klahoose community.

In closing, I would say don't lose faith as our Nation has a very bright future and I know things will continue to get better!

Kindest regards,

Ken Brown