West Kelowna

Friday is election day for the Westbank First Nation.

Janice Money and Mickey Werstuik are trying to unseat incumbent chief Robert Louie in his bid for re-election August 31.

Money owns JM Logging, and was a Democratic Reform candidate in the 2005 provincial election. Werstuik is a current WFN council member.

There are 12 candidates hoping to nab the four seats on the band council: Pamela Barnes, incumbent Mike DeGuevara, Carol Derrickson, incumbent Larry Derrickson, Brian Eli, who served one term as WFN chief in the late 1990’s, Lloyd Eli, Sr., Darlene Fosbery, George Fosbery, Lori Hogaboam, incumbent Loreta Swite, and Corrine Van De Reit.

Of the 650 or so band members, 469 are registered as eligible voters.

Westbank First Nation, part of the Okanagan Nation, is one of the most successful First Nations in the country. The WFN reserve covers over 5,000 acres and is home to 8,000 residents.

Kristy Jean, WFN Communications Officer, says, “Polls will be open until 8:00 p.m., and the results should be tabulated by about 10:00 p.m.”