Members of Six Nations of the Grand River vote today for newly elected chief

It’s election time for the Six Nations of the Grand River community, the most populous First Nation in Canada.

Voters had the opportunity to elect a new chief and 12 council members.

Brenda Maracle was born and raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River and hopes the newly elected leadership will uphold high standards.

“Honesty, integrity, be like a community member, and when community members come to you with a concern, listen to us, don’t just push us away,” Maracle said.

This is one of the largest First Nations in Canada, about 40 km from Hamilton. Their nations are Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora.

Members didn’t have to live here to vote but had to vote in person. Those qualified were required to come here to the Six Nations community hall to cast their ballot.

The newly elected chief and 12 council members will have their hands full. Some of the issues concerning residents here are housing, mental health, addiction, and safety.

“Everybody has to vote, different things are changing all through here, and some things ain’t right and some things need to be changed,” Vernon Maracle of Onondaga said.

Not everyone votes in this election, as some community members do not recognize this council.

They support traditional leaders, who have their own council called the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council which is sometimes referred to as Longhouse.

Some see their role as primarily cultural as opposed to the administrative functions of the Six Nations elected council that handles issues like roads, safety, and housing.

Those elected to the Six Nations Elections Council are recognized by the Canadian government.

The new Six Nations elected council will serve for the next four years.