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Shxwhá:y Village hosts all-candidates forum in Chilliwack

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Shxwhá:y Village and UBCIC hosted the first Chilliwack all-candidates forum at the Village Cultural Centre, featuring three mayoral and 14 council candidates during the UBCIC 58th Annual General Assembly.
Jennie Roberts, a member of the First Nation, raised concerns about systemic invisibility, noting that despite significant economic contributions, community members feel excluded and intimidated within city-led committees.
Incumbent Coun. Chris Kloot discussed the Heritage Conservation Act as a tool for site protection, while mayoral candidate Farooque Syed argued that municipal and First Nations governments must improve communication before conflicts arise.
Addressing Roberts directly, mayoral candidate Gary Raddysh recommended that politicians act as teachers, instructing constituents on all sides of an issue, and stated that solving problems between Chilliwack and First Nations governments requires collective action.
Citing his experience chairing inclusion committees, mayoral candidate Jason Lum emphasized the need for solid Indigenous representation at city hall, stating that representation matters for community inclusion.

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