As a young girl, I remember when our leading Elders --- Chief Sam Pootlass, Albert King, my grandparents, Katie and Jim Pollard were sitting around a circle in the living room of my parents -- Nathan and Jenny Clellamin's home.

I can remember the pain they had on the great loss of our hereditary chief at that time -- Chief Alec Pootlass. They knew that it would be a very difficult and thankless job at that time. The work meant that the family of that person would have a very difficult time.

Then, Uncle Sam spoke up and brought up the name of his grandson, Lawrence Pootlass. He felt that he could do the work and would have the support from the family and also felt strongly that Lawrence's wife, Amelia would be a great help to him.

I have always stood by my cousin Lawrence. I was given much encouragement from my two aunts - - - Mabel Hall and Elsie Jacobs to continue supporting him.

I will continue to honor my great uncles Sam and Albert and my grandparents by supporting Nuximlayc (Lawrence) as our Hereditary Chief for Nuxalk Nation.