Tribal members will decide who will serve as the Petersburg Indian Association’s council president and who will fill three seats on the tribal council when the tribal government holds its election on Jan. 5.
The president serves a one-year term, while tribal council members serve two-year terms.
Current council members Heather Conn and Nathan Lopez and Heather Conn will not be seeking reelection. Conn will be taking time to care for herself and her family, and Lopez is moving out of Petersburg.
Conn has held a seat on the tribal council for seven years. During a live interview with KFSK, Conn said the role felt daunting at first, but she enjoyed participating.
“It was, for me, a huge learning opportunity, but it was also a way that I could give back to my community,” Conn said.
Lopez was elected to the council two years ago. In a live interview, he said there are chances to learn and grow after being elected, so inexperience shouldn’t keep people from trying.
“I would be hesitant to allow your inexperience, or not being on a position like that, to hold you back,” Lopez said. “To have that desire to be able to give back, I think, is important. To be a part of something where you know you’re able to help our tribe as a whole.”
Tribal members interested in running for a position must submit candidacy paperwork to PIA by 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. More information can be found by calling PIA at 907-772-3636.
