A number of new and familiar faces have been selected to lead Waterhen Lake First Nation into the future. Saturday (Jan. 25) was Election Day at Waterhen, with members heading to the polls to select the community’s next chief and council. When all was said and done, incumbent chief Blaine Fiddler was re-elected, overcoming fellow candidates Gordon Ernest and Robert Gladue Jr. Fiddler served as a council member for eight years before being elected chief for the first time in 2020. “As chief of Waterhen Lake First Nation for the last two terms, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made particularly with our Health Transformation Agreement,” Fiddler noted in his re-election platform. “This agreement ensures direct flowthrough funding from Canada for health services, empowering us with autonomy to better meet the needs of our community. It’s clear our nation’s control is essential to providing the care and support our children, families and elders truly deserve.” Fiddler’s platform also addressed WLFN’s health and family services team, stating the importance of ensuring they have the resources guidance and support needed to succeed.
“Moving forward, I will prioritize the review of our child welfare legislation (C92) progress and ensure our community is fully engaged in the process,” he remarked. “I’m committed to strengthening our ability to make decisions that reflect our unique needs and values. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger future for our children, families and elders in our nation.” Fiddler also said he is committed to advocating for culturally-rooted service delivery, supporting youth through sports, culture and recreation, ensuring community involvement in policy development, empowering local leadership and teams, and promoting holistic wellness for all. Meanwhile, 32 candidates were on the ballot vying for six available band councillor positions. The successful candidates when all votes were counted included incumbents Peter Bouvier, Carol Bernard and Dean Martell, as well as new councillors Jackie Manderscheid, Joanne Roy and Ableheza Ernest.
“Thank you everyone for all the support,” Fiddler wrote via social media following the election. “I heard the concerns from the membership and look forward to working together with the new council and membership on addressing these issues. Congratulations to Dean Martell, Carolyn Bernard, Peter Bouvier, Ableheza Ernest Joanne Roy and Jackie Manderscheid.” Martell also shared his positive outlook via social media.“ Let’s work together for our membership,” he noted. “Chief and I will support you all the way.” The other council candidates included Lorna Jean Bear (Fiddler), Edith Bouvier, Dora Buxton, Philip Cardinal, Lena Crighton, Adrian Durocher, Angela M. Fiddler, Byron Fiddler, Cora Fiddler, Devon Fiddler, Ernest (Ernie) Fiddler, Flora Fiddler, Floyd W. Fiddler, Harvey Fiddler, Violet H. Fiddler, Karnella Fiddler, Edward Lloyd Fiddler, Norman L. Fiddler, David Fleury, Aniko Martell, Chris Martell, Loretta McCallum, Alex Mistickokat, Amy Mistickokat, Tara Tawfiq (Martell) and Leonard Vincent. “Together, we will continue to build a future for Waterhen Lake that reflects our traditions, nurtures our youth and fosters the well-being of every member,” the chief added. “By walking this path of healing and wellness, we strengthen the ties that bind us and create a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”