Daajing Giids' newly elected mayor and council were scheduled to officially begin their four-year term Monday, Nov. 2, with an inaugural meeting at the Village council chambers.
Mayor Kris Olsen is joined by councillors Bill Beamish, Kim Claggett, Jennifer Rutt and Hayl Zacks following the Oct. 17 municipal election.
The new council takes office as the Village continues work on several major infrastructure projects, including the federally mandated wastewater treatment plant, water and sewer improvements and long-term financial planning.
A busy orientation schedule is planned for November and December, beginning with two days of governance training Nov. 13 and 14. Topics include council procedures, strategic planning, communication and the municipality's code of conduct.
Council is also scheduled to review the Village's financial plan Nov. 16, followed by budget discussions Nov. 23.
Several meetings with Haida leadership are planned, including a Nov. 19 meeting with the Council of the Haida Nation executive and a Dec. 3 meeting with Hereditary Chiefs. A council-to-council meeting with Skidegate Band Council is also being arranged.
On Nov. 30, Daajing Giids councillors are scheduled to join representatives from Port Clements, Masset and the North Coast Regional District for a joint legal and governance orientation in Port Clements.
The session will address municipal powers and responsibilities, Haida title, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, conflict of interest and the legal responsibilities of elected officials.
An update from engineering consultants Urban Systems on ongoing municipal projects is scheduled for Dec. 14.
The Village's next regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 16.