The chief of the Splatsin First Nation is apologizing for drinking and driving after being banned from driving on the road over the Canada Day weekend. Speaking publicly for the first time about the incident, Kukpi7 (Chief) Doug Thomas issued the following statement: “During the July 2022 weekend, I was pulled over and given an immediate road ban, which resulted in a three-month driving ban. “To be clear: drinking and driving is not condoned by me or the people of Splatsin and I accept full responsibility for my error in judgement. I believe this lack of judgment is related to the mental health strain I have experienced in the role me as Splatchin leader. “To ensure full transparency regarding my actions and their results, I have called a Splatsin community meeting on Thursday, July 11th to openly discuss this issue with band members. However, due to two deaths in the community at this time , the meeting was rescheduled for Monday, July 22, which was successfully held.” Thomas says the RCMP officer who issued the ban was present and provided an objective account of the incident. The meeting lasted three and a half hours, “and the matter was discussed very thoroughly by all parties,” says Thomas. “I really appreciated the level of support the community showed.” Two additional meetings were held to discuss the incident – one with Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations B.C. and the other with the Tribal Chiefs of the Shuswap National Council. “Feedback from the chiefs addressed the mental health aspects of our roles and established a mandate for every chief to seek support immediately when faced with such challenges in the future. The heads of both organizations conveyed their understanding and support and recommended that I continue my duties as leader of Splatchin,” Thomas continues. “As a next step, a trained counselor is now working with me to develop a mental health plan to prevent this type of behavior from occurring again in the future.” Thomas concludes: “I am fully aware that a key requirement for being elected leader of Splatsin is to lead with transparency and integrity, and I sincerely apologize for my error in judgment. “While the action itself is inexcusable, I hope the Splatsin band members and others will recognize that I accept full responsibility and am committed to taking action to better myself. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received to continue Today’s role of the community of Splatsin and the provincial leaders – I will not let them down.
