The Tsawwassen First Nation once again elected Bryce Williams as chief in a rematch Wednesday with former chief Kim Baird.
It was the second time TFN members had gone to the polls in seven months after last September's election results were overturned.
This time around Williams won 106-86, denying Baird, who had been chief from 1999 to 2012, a seventh term.
On Thursday, Williams told the Optimist he's not sure there's one particular reason why members wanted someone new at the helm, other than perhaps they felt it was time for a change and new style of leadership.
Williams said the TFN's culture and youth will be high priorities.
"My primary focus will be uplifting the community and helping create more leaders for the future, working with the youth and giving them more self-confidence, building up their education and character," he said.
"I think a lot of little things are going to add up and I look forward to rebuilding and strengthening our culture."
Williams, a 23-yearold carver, was first elected to the TFN's Bryc T government in 2009 and served on the executive council. His victory over Baird last year was seen as a surprise to many.
Following that win, the soft-spoken chief said it was important for his First Nation to get closer with its culture. He also confirmed the TFN's major development projects were moving ahead. Those projects, including a pair of huge shopping malls, are poised to change the face of South Delta.
Baird told the Optimist following Wednesday's vote that although she was disappointed at the result, and that she wouldn't be able to see through the growth plans she helped initiate, she was glad to see a voter turnout of 73 per cent.
As to why the majority of members wanted someone new at the helm, Baird believes it could be due to a variety of factors, including some believing she was too "domestic-focused." Other may have thought she had "outgrown" the role that made her a public figure, she said.
"I guess I've done my part, I've built the institutions and designed those processes. Now the community has to take flight. In some respects, we're going to, like all communities, make mistakes and stumble, but that's entirely normal."
Baird, who negotiated the TFN's historic urban treaty, had been critical of the new government, citing a lack of knowledge and stability. She said she was concerned about decisions being made without proper consultation and communication, and that development projects could be at risk.
As far as her future plans, Baird said she has a number of opportunities that she can fully explore now the stress of the election is over.
The only incumbent not re-elected to the 12-member legislature Wednesday was Marvin Joe, who was replaced by Loretta Williams.
