Doris Bill, the respected chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN), has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, she confirmed today.

“My doctors have advised that I will make a full recovery but I will need to travel to Vancouver for surgery in the coming weeks,” she said in a statement.

“Luckily, I am told this form of thyroid cancer it is the most treatable of all types of thyroid cancers. The surgeon even said, ‘You are more likely to leave this world from old age rather than from this disease,’ which helped me feel much more comfortable with the path ahead.”

The former journalist said she is sharing the diagnosis because she wants people to hear it directly from the source.

“I want to discourage any rumours,” Bill said.

“It’s important to me, in my role of chief, that citizens have accurate information. Unfortunately, I will not be able to respond to any calls or messages for the next couple of weeks, and I don’t plan to make additional public statements at this time.”

She encourages any KDFN citizen who has questions to contact her executive assistant Eileen Duchesne, at 633-7800 ext. 105.

“During the surgery, my thyroid will need to be removed,” Bill said.

“I will need a short recovery period. While I may need to go to Vancouver periodically for treatment, this illness will not interfere with the office of the chief.

“As always, in situations where I am required to be out of the office, I will appoint a member of council to serve as acting chief. We have competent staff in place to support council, and regular government operations will continue.

“The path ahead will be challenging, but I am confident I will recover.”

Bill was first elected as chief in March 2014, succeeding Rick O’Brien.

“I want to thank my family, friends, members of council and all of the wonderful staff here at KDFN for all your support,” Bill said.

“The bottom line is this: I will be OK.”