Dr. Liz Erasmus, the new mayor of Redwood Meadows, was chosen by the six other elected members of the townsite council to serve as mayor on Nov. 27.
Erasmus, a family physician, served as the community’s deputy mayor for the last three years, and said she and council would like to continue their work developing a long-term positive relationship with the chief, council, and members of the Tsuu T’ina First Nation.
“Developing a relationship with Tsuu T’ina Nation and lease renewal are always on the back of our minds as we live on their land,” said Erasmus. “We’re neighbours and we need to continue getting to know each other.”
Erasmus, her husband and three children have lived in Redwood Meadows for 13 years.
Erasmus decided to become a councillor after she and her husband discussed becoming more involved in their community and building a relationship with members of the Tsuu T’ina First Nation.
“We’re Aboriginal people and we can be a link to the community of the Tsuu T’ina First Nation,” said Erasmus.
Redwood Meadows residents are interested in learning about their Tsuu T’ina neighbours, said Erasmus, and she would like to see more opportunities developed such as a mentorship program to complement the existing scholarship program that awards Tsuu T’ina youth.
“I would like to develop an interest group with residents of Redwood Meadows where First Nation speakers would be invited to give seminars on different topics,” she said. “I would also like to have cultural awareness sessions taught by Tsuu T’ina cultural advisors.”
Erasmus was raised in northern Ontario, until the age of 11.
Then, her mother, a single parent, moved her family to Alberta to complete her education and become a registered nurse.
Erasmus said her mother inspired her to pursue a career in health care and she too completed a nursing degree and then pursued medicine.
“Education is empowering and I have experienced this over time,” said Erasmus. “With a wealth of growing knowledge and experience, I have learned that I have the ability to make a difference - at both a personal and professional level.”
While she continues to work as a doctor, Erasmus said she and her fellow volunteer councillors will work together as a team on behalf of their community.
As part of their new mandate, the council created the Lease, Personnel, Finance, Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness, Intergovernmental Relations, and Communications committees, said Erasmus.
Tsuu T’ina First Nation Councillor Emmet Crowchild said he first met Erasmus while working with the community in June during their flood response and was impressed with her willingness to help him and other members of his Nation.
“When the flood was happening, the people of Redwood Meadows were out there being supportive and wanting to lend a hand,” said Crowchild. “A lot of good things came out of that experience.”
“We were trying to help them, and at the same time they were helping us,” he said. “It was a team effort.”
Crowchild said he is happy Erasmus is mayor and she has always been a great spokesperson on behalf of Redwood Meadows.
“I think Liz is a great and positive person who brings out the best in everybody,” said Crowchild. “She’s a huge asset to our Nation.”
Pat Evans, Redwood Meadows townsite administrative manager, said like other communities that are finding their infrastructure becoming old, there is more work to be done.
“We are continually upgrading our water treatment plant and our sewer lines are getting old and are in need of repair,” said Evans.
Crowchild said he and council will meet with Erasmus in the new year to discuss the community’s water and sewer infrastructure needs, which he said must be addressed.
“We will work together to solve the water and sewer infrastructure needs of the community,” said Crowchild. “I’m looking forward to getting to know Erasmus and the council and what the needs of Redwood Meadows are.”
“Having a good working relationship with Liz and her council will be the start of good things for the community,” he said. “By working together, I’m sure we can build a better future for Redwood Meadows.”
Catherine Watson, President of the Redwood Meadows Community Association, said Erasmus is a true asset to Redwood Meadows and the community is fortunate to have her represent them as mayor.
“Mayor Liz Erasmus and former mayor John Welsh have worked closely over the years with Tsuu T’ina Council to establish a strong relationship and understanding the values and beliefs of both these remarkable communities,” said Watson.
“I feel confident that Liz, and the remarkable team of individuals who have stepped forward to serve as our town councillors, have the best interest of all the community stakeholders including our neighbours at Tsuu T’ina.”
Watson said as an active community member, Erasmus has an understanding of both First Nations and of Redwood Meadows.
“I trust that her knowledge and insights on both these fronts will garner a renewed and energized collaboration as we continue to address the issues surrounding infrastructure and lease negotiations.”
Crowchild also said one of the first priorities for Tsuu T’ina First Nation Council is to discuss the lease with the Redwood Meadows Council.
“We need to start getting (lease negotiations) talks in place that the people would like to discuss on both sides of the fence,” he said. “We all need to sit down and start wrapping our minds around that (lease negotiations) and see where we go next.”
“There will be exciting talks to come.”
