New chief gets congrats

Photo: Dustin Godfrey

Local community leaders have opened their arms to the Penticton Indian Band's new chief.

Chad Eneas has taken office at the band after winning the Wednesday evening election with just over half of the votes in a three-way race, beating out two-term chief Jonathan Kruger.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, Penticton MLA Dan Ashton and Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs grand chief and former PIB chief Stewart Phillip all extended their congratulations to Eneas in the victory, but they also each took a moment to recognize Kruger's accomplishments during his tenure.

Jakubeit noted some of the accomplishments, like the Satikw Crossing, the Outma School and the fish hatchery, saying those deserve recognition.

"Also, I think we made some large improvements with our relationship and partnership with the city," he said, adding that more First Nations culture has been celebrated at events, including the new aboriginal award in the Business Excellence Awards.

"I look forward to the opportunity to work with Chad Eneas," he said. "I hope we can continue on with our regular meetings ... and continue fostering and building our relationship because they are our closest partner."

Phillip took some time to quell any nervousness that anyone may have about Eneas being young, noting that similar views were held when Kruger took the reins.

He added that while Kruger had brought the community "amazing success," it was up to Eneas to gauge the public's opinions on which direction to go from here on out.

In fact, Phillip said Kruger may have fallen victim to his own successes, with a community that may have been striving to be more a part of building that success.

"The sun will rise tomorrow," he said. "And it will continue to shine brightly on the Penticton Indian Band."

Ashton held a similar sentiment to Phillip, noting the successes of Kruger during his eight-year tenure, but ultimately stressing that it's up to the community to decide which direction to go.

"It'll be a good process, I've known Chad Eneas for a long time," he said. "They have to listen to their community and the direction that their community wants. That's the most important thing for an elected official to do."