Prince George, B.C. (June 13/03) - Electing a woman to head a tribal council is nothing new for the Carrier Sekani Nations.

Mavis Erickson, tribal grand chief since 1997, is in the final year of her second term.

She succeeded Lynda Prince, who served three years as tribal grand chief.

The Athapaskan-Dene First Nations located in central British Columbia have had female chiefs since the 1960s.

"It seems that we've always had women on our band councils," Erickson said from her office in Prince George, B.C.

"We've had a really strong matrilineal tradition in our territories that we've been able to maintain. So we've never had any questions about women participating."

Erickson represents eight bands, comprising roughly 6,500 people. She has two law degrees and a bachelor of arts degree.

"I think it's important for women to be involved and participate, whether it's as grand chief or a councillor," she said. "Women are half of the whole, and we've always recognized that here ... I think it's a step backwards if women are going to be excluded at the top level."