On Thursday, March 21, 2024, in the presence of 70+ members, dignitaries, staff, family, and friends, T’Sou-ke Nation formally inducted into office its newly elected Chief and Council.
The ceremony was initiated by T’Sou-ke youth drummers and singers who carried in the Oath of Office and led Chief Larry Underwood and Councillors Rose Dumont, Bonnie Hill, and Debra Lazzar into the hall. The Oath of Office was handed off by youth Cassidy Tremblay to Elder Gerald Lazzar, who presented it to Chief and Council in a symbol of trust and guidance.
The Oath of Office was then read aloud and signed by Chief and Council who were blessed, along with the document, by Elder Shirley Alphonse.
There to bear witness was Willow Dodge-Planes and Jannie Sutherland Hansen, both of whom spoke of the importance of creating a strong future for our youth, honouring cultural practices, caring for our families, and guiding T’Sou-ke Nation on a culturally sound, prosperous path forward.
T’Sou-ke Nation honoured outgoing Chief Gordon Planes with a ceremonial blanket, acknowledging and thanking him for his many years of service, guidance, and hard work in governing the Nation.
The ceremony concluded with a dinner of clam chowder and sockeye salmon, which were prepared traditionally in the T’Sou-ke smokehouse by Nathan Davies and Rob Davies.
T’Sou-ke Nation would like to acknowledge and thank Bruce Underwood for speaking on behalf of the Nation and administering the ceremony. The Nation would also like to thank Shirley Alphonse, Willow Dodge-Planes and Jannie Sutherland Hansen, the T’Sou-ke youth drummers and the drum group, and Rob Davies and Nathan Davies for contributing their time and efforts to the ceremony.
A final acknowledgement and much gratitude to the District of Sooke Mayor and Council, Elida Peers, and all the T’Sou-ke members and families that showed up to witness the inauguration. We raise our hands to all of you. HÍSW̱ḴE (Hych’ka, thank you).
