voteaaronjacobs

Aaron Angus Jacobs – Candidate Statement

 

My name is Aaron Angus Jacobs, son of Leslie Starlight and the late Guyasodo Jacobs. Born and raised on Tsuut’ina.

 

I am proud to be entering my 40th year of complete sobriety from alcohol, smoking, and drugs — a lifelong commitment to walking the Red Road with strength, clarity, and determination. Sobriety has shaped the person I am today, and I will continue on this path until my days are finished.

 

Through decades of hard work, I have built Roofing Solutions Ltd,  my perseverance, learning, and dedication. Roofing, solar, and construction are not only how I make my living — they are proof that with determination, we can create opportunities for ourselves and for our Nation.

 

I am seeking the role of Head Chief to ensure that Tsuut’ina Nation is led with fairness, accountability, and vision — and to protect our lands from being sold to outside corporate interests.

 

 

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Priorities

 

Strengthening Our Sovereignty & Economy

 

Outside corporations are now operating on our traditional lands. While many agreements are already in motion, we must remain vigilant. These corporations are powerful, and history has shown us what happens when Indigenous voices are ignored.

 

I will ensure that:

 

Elders and citizens are fully consulted and informed on all major decisions.

 

Tsuut’ina businesses remain at the forefront of development.

 

Traditional laws and teachings are respected in every decision.

 

Training and education opportunities prepare our people to take the jobs and contracts that belong here.

 

 

We cannot reverse development, but we can shape it to protect our sovereignty and serve our Nation first.

 

 

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Fair Wages & Job Creation

 

Our workers deserve fairness. At present, Tsuut’ina employees at our golf courses are underpaid compared to their City of Calgary counterparts. There is no reason our workers should be valued less. Equal pay for equal work must be our standard.

 

I will also pursue the development of a second golf course on the east side, creating jobs and fulfilling promises made to our Nation when the ring road project was undertaken.

 

 

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Addressing Addictions with Proactive Solutions

 

Addictions continue to devastate families across Indian Country, and fentanyl has already reached our community. I know this struggle — I have lived it and witnessed its pain.

 

We cannot afford to be reactive. I will fight for proactive, preventative programs that protect and heal our people, especially our youth.

 

Most importantly, leadership must return power to the people. Tsuut’ina belongs to all of us. Decisions that affect our Nation must involve our Nation. I will uphold an open-door policy and ensure that every voice is heard.

 

 

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Preserving Our Culture & Treaties

 

Our language, songs, and traditions are not just part of our history — they are the foundation of our identity and our future. I am committed to strengthening cultural programs so our great-grandchildren inherit not only our land, but also our heritage.

 

I will also fight to protect our treaties, especially Treaty C-45, which is at risk of being slowly eroded. Our ancestors sacrificed for these rights, and we must safeguard them for the generations to come.

 

 

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Commitments

 

If elected, I will:

 

Hold Quarterly Band Meetings, beginning within my first week in office.

 

Establish a Tsuut’ina Art Gallery at Taza to showcase and honor the creativity of our Nation’s artists — even if I must fund the project personally.

 

Maintain an Open-Door Leadership style — approachable, accountable, and present.

 

Defend our sovereignty and lands against any attempt to diminish or override our Nation.

 

 

 

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Closing

 

I know this will be an uphill battle, but it is one I am not afraid to fight. I was raised to work hard, to be kind, to be open-minded, and to stay positive.

 

Together, we can honor our past, meet today’s challenges, and build a stronger future for Tsuut’ina Nation.