Andrew Tom.com
Elect Andrew Tom - Moricetown Band Chief Councilor
Welcome...
NEW ELECTION DAY: Thursday July 28th 2011
(Due to Mail Strike Interruption)
Please, take a few moments to complete an online survey. Results will be shared anonymously with the members at large.
Coming Soon!
Site Changes: Site Construction
Visitors since: Monday January 17, 2005.
Site Last Updated: Thursday July 7, 2011.
About Andrew...
Hadi' Fellow Community Members:
Many of you know who I am, for those who don't quite know me, my name is Andrew Richard Tom. I am the eldest son of Richard and Marlene Tom, an active member in the House of Kweese, within the Tsayu (Beaver) clan of the Wet'suwet'en Nation. I am grandson to Mary S. Alfred, Andrew Alfred, Mary Tom and Joseph Tom.
Professionally speaking, I have began working right out of high school at the Band Office as Receptionist. I've been moved around in many different departments including Food Bank, Patient Travel, Housing, Recreation, Education, Economic Development, Communications and Band Administration. After five years of service with Moricetown Band, I accepted a new role at the Office of the Wet'suwet'en, working in the Human & Social Services Branch as Youth & Victim Justice Worker under the Wet'suwet'en Unlocking Aboriginal Justice Program. Working with our people has always been my calling, there's nothing better than this. I've enjoyed the journey thus far and look forward to many more years of service, be it social justice or community outreach.
I have served two consecutive terms as Band Councilor and three terms as Youth Councilor prior to that, serving locally, provincially and nationally, advocating for Youth since the age of sixteen. I live a healthy, active lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol. My lifetime sobriety has shaped the leader I am today. This doesn't make me any better than anyone; choosing to abstain from drugs & alcohol was a decision that I made on my own, a gift to myself so that I can show our people that it is possible. I accept you where you're at, just as you've accepted me.
I have strong, admirable Role Models like my late cousin Bridget Forstyhe and Kweese, Florence Hall among many others who have motivated me to continue to do the work that I do both in and out of the office. I have much to learn, I believe we are ALL students throughout our lifetime. Each of us has something unique to offer and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with you my leadership skills.
When I reflect on the short life that I've lived so far, I am reminded of how blessed I am to be surrounded by other supportive, hard-working leaders who continue to teach me how to listen and really hear what the community wants. I will be taking a few days off of work so that I can visit you in your homes and hear what it is you feel our growing community needs.
I hope you are open to sharing your ideas with me this week, your input is valuable and vital to the upcoming leadership. I understand that not everyone believes in the INAC governance system of electing in council members for two years, I get that. Little movement is made in that short period of time, so you see, your input will steer us in the right direction so that whoever is elected in, is given a clearer understanding of what members want to see happen in that two year timeframe.
"Every Family Matters"
My motto has always been inclusive to ALL families, especially those who've lost faith in our leadership. If you don't like what we have done or what we've failed to do, it's your responsibility as a community member to keep your leaders accountable. I'd like to learn why some of you choose not to vote, because restoring faith in this system will move us ahead into the future, where countless opportunities await.
I'd like to thank those who have nominated me to run again. Thank you for believing in me, I will honor that trust that you have bestowed upon me to carry out my duties honestly, professionally and without bias. Best of luck to all running in this election, may the Creator guide each of us into a healthy direction, so that each child, teen, man, woman and elder feel heard, accepted and acknowledged.
Your Opinion Matters. Your Vote Matters. You Matter.
Thank you for your time & for your support,
Andrew R Tom
Nominee
