There will be a new chief elected in the Lower Nicola Indian Band near Merritt next month.

Chief Aaron Sumexheltza tells NL News he will be running as a councillor instead, after six years as chief.

“Six years is a long time, I think that council and myself have done a lot of great things. Just due to personal commitment as well as family commitment, I felt that it would be a good time to step back, hopefully contribute more on a part-time basis.”

Sumexheltza says some of the work he’s proud of includes economic development planning, buying a pipeline integrity company and working on language and culture.

He’s a lawyer by trade, and he was asked if he plans to practice law again in the immediate future.

“I resided in Kamloops for many years before I was elected chief. We’ll see what opportunities arise, when those opportunities arise I’ll make a decision at that point. I still am chief for just over a month, and I’m committed to continuing to do my job, because there’s still lots of work that needs to be done.”

LNIB members will also elect a chief and seven councillors on Oct. 5th. Sumexheltza says there are three candidates for chief and 14 for council.