Delina Petit Pas, the newly-acclaimed Gwaii Trust director for Central Graham Island, is thrilled about her new position.
The Port Clements business owner, who has been involved in grassroots health and community issues for many years, said she is looking forward to putting her skills and experience to use on the Gwaii Trust board.
"I have a passion for communities," Ms Petit Pas, (formerly Myles) said. "I'm excited about this, I really am."
When Ms Petit Pas officially joins the board later this year, she will be one of eight directors whose job is to oversee a multi-million dollar trust fund, making sure its benefits flow to islanders.
She said the idea of sustainability is important to her, as is listening. A huge part of the Gwaii Trust directors' role is to listen to the people, she said.
"In general, people, given the opportunity, know what they need for community development," she said. "We need to listen attentively."
Ms Petit Pas is close to completing three courses in mediation, negotiation and family mediation through the Justice Institute. She has also recently completed the Pursuit of Excellence course offered through the Ngystle Society in Skidegate. These courses have deepened her listening and communication skills, she said.
Besides communicating with her constituents in Port and Tlell, Ms Myles said she is looking forward to working with the other Gwaii Trust board members.
"I plan to listen also to the people who are sitting on the board and hear what they have to say," she said. "I guess my goal or vision for the next two years would be to enhance how people are working together."
Ms Myles was acclaimed as the Gwaii Trust rep after the other candidate, Port councillor Gerry Johnson, withdrew his nomination. Mr. Johnson said he put his name into the race only because he was worried that no one else would come forward. Once he heard that Ms Myles was interested, he said, he knew the community would be well represented.
"She'll do a good job," he said.