5-Minute Nomination Speech – Teagan Sokwaypnace for Little Pine First Nation Council

Hello relatives, friends, and community members,

My name is Teagan Sokwaypnace, and I’m standing before you today to put my name forward for Little Pine First Nation Council.

I decided to run for my children — and for all the families in our community who feel unheard or left behind. I’ve seen how only a few seem to benefit from decisions that should help everyone. I believe it’s time for change — real change — that puts our people first and gives every member a voice at the table.

Over the years, I’ve worked in different roles that gave me a good understanding of how our community operates. I’ve worked in IT support, served as Indian Registry Administrator for four years, and later worked in security for both Poundmaker and Little Pine. I’ve seen our systems up close — the good and the bad — and I know where things can be improved.

What I’ve learned is that our community has strong people, full of ideas and hope, but what’s missing is transparency, communication, and direction. Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors, and our people are left wondering what’s really going on. That needs to change — and that’s why I’m running.

My priorities are clear:

• Revitalize our Security Program and bring back the Community Safety Officer initiative, with trained, insured workers who serve and protect with pride.

• Open up council meetings — let members sit in, listen, ask questions, and see how decisions are made. I want to livestream meetings so no one is left in the dark.

• Review our policies — especially housing, membership, and economic development — with real community input. I want to create boards and committees made up of our own people to help oversee these areas and make sure every voice is heard.

• And finally, I want to invest in prevention programs for our youth and mental health supports — because a strong future starts with healthy minds, safe homes, and opportunities for our young people.

  
  

I want to make one thing clear about who I am and how I live. I live a sober life — free from alcohol, hard drugs, and gambling. I made that choice because I want to lead by example. I believe that when we take care of our spirit and our mind, we make better decisions for our families and our Nation. Sobriety gives me the clarity to listen, to think, and to lead with a good heart.

I’m not here to make empty promises. I’m here to listen, to work, and to rebuild trust between leadership and membership. My focus is on the young families and our urban members who have lost faith in the band office. I want to earn that trust back through transparency and accountability.

I also believe in the importance of our Elders. Growing up, I attended sweats and ceremonies and was taught to respect the knowledge they carry. That’s why I want to see an Elders Council formed — a group that can guide leadership and hold us accountable in the right way, following our traditional teachings.

We all talk about change — but real change happens when we come together. Not as factions, not as “this group” or “that group,” but as one Nation with one goal: to make Little Pine a stronger, safer, and more united community for our children.

When I say my slogan, “Keeping Families Together,” I mean it. It’s about more than homes — it’s about bringing back trust, unity, and pride in who we are.

So today, I’m asking for your support — not just for me, but for the vision of a community where everyone’s voice matters, where decisions are open, and where leadership truly serves the people.

Thank you for taking the time to listen, thank you to my family and fiancée Shayla for their support, and thank you to all the members who continue to push for something better.

Together, we can build that change.