Lubicon Lake Nation holds historic by-election: Cynthia Tomlinson first woman elected to traditional government

LITTLE BUFFALO, AB, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - On December 3, 2015 the Lubicon Lake Nation, led by Chief Bernard Ominayak and Council, held a by-election to fill a vacant Council seat. The seat was formerly held by the late Councillor Alphonse Ominayak, who passed away unexpectedly this summer. In a historic victory, Cynthia Tomlinson became the first woman elected to the traditional government of the Lubicon Lake Nation.  As in past elections, the by-election was held at the Lubicon Lake Nation Longhouse in accordance with Lubicon laws, custom and traditions.

Acting as Chief Elector Officer for the 2015 by-election was Kelly Bunn, a prominent municipal government official in Northern Alberta. Bunn said the by-election was "a bitter-sweet day" as he knew the late Councillor Ominayak and "greatly respected his commitment to the Lubicon First Nation". Sherrie Laboucan who nominated Tomlinson said "I think it's awesome, Cynthia does great work for the Nation already. She travels the country telling our story and she's right for the position." Newly elected Tomlinson said "I'm blown away by my family and community's belief and faith in me; it still seems a little unreal."

Cynthia Tomlinson brings previous experience in Lubicon governance as former President of the Lubicon Lake Nation Youth Council and Lands & Negotiation Advisor to the Governing Council. Tomlinson earned her Bachelor's Degree in Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge in 2010; she is also a local business owner within the Lubicon Lake Nation and serves as a director of a non-profit cultural society dedicated to the preservation of Cree culture.

SOURCE Lubicon Lake Nation

Kelly Bunn, Chief Electoral Officer, [phone] Direct, [email protected]; Lubicon Lake Nation, Communications / Press Inquiries, [email protected]