As shíshálh Nation members prepare to elect their next hiwus (Chief) and hehiwus (councillor) positions on Feb. 18, Coast Reporter asked the 10 hehiwus candidates to tell us about their campaigns.
Please note Ben F. Pierre is also running for council, but chose not to participate in the Q&A. There are three hiwus candidates: Shiloh Joe, yalxwemult (Lenora Joe), and Warren Paull.
Nievelina Carmona, ?ulsheniy
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
I am the daughter of Missy Joe, the Granddaughter of Solomon TB Dixon &Viola Thompson, the great-granddaughter of Margaret Joe Dixon & Solomon Dixon. I have over 10 years of Human Resources Experience and six years of management experience. Currently, I work for an HR consulting firm that works with Indigenous communities, non-profits and businesses.
How old are you?
35
Why are you running for election?
I value and appreciate all the work done by previous leaders, they created this emerging path and now it’s time for the next generation to do our part. I am putting my name forward to help create a team that will bring forward the next building blocks for our future generations. I want to contribute to changes where we focus on our collective people, to weave our teachings and culture into all the work.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
I share common goals with Shiloh and Rochelle that focus on community well-being, community-driven and financial planning, building our people up and relationships with staff. I want to focus on rebuilding relationships with our people and decolonizing all the work done, including policies, procedures, and agreements. Ensuring we include our language and traditions in the work we do. Focus on creating a community plan that leads to a strategic plan that reflects our resources.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
Housing, funding for housing, Elders and Elders benefits, youth - including them and ensuring they have safe spaces, creating safe spaces for all members to participate in meetings or conversations.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
Proudest moment or biggest accomplishment - My Proudest moment was becoming a mom to twins Luna and Nova.
Contact:
604-619-3537
Shain Niniwum Salepem Jackson
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
Born in Sechelt Hospital, a member of the Frog Clan. Practiced Law fighting for Indigenous rights and representing Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia. Continue to work within the legal field developing and promoting Indigenous legal constructs. President of Spirit Works Limited.
How old are you?
51
Why are you running for election?
I've been asked by a number of respected Elders and Community members to put my name forward for leadership. In reciprocity for all the support and love I've been shown, I feel this to be a meaningful expression of love for our people.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
I would like to be involved in projects related to getting our youth back on the land, caring for our Elders, and alleviating some of the traumas (intergenerational and otherwise) wrought on our people during the residential and day school eras.
Wesley Oshawa Jeffries
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
Hello I am a first time candidate. I have experience with 5 years of business mentorship and self-growth. I have worked in trades for the last 18 years so I know hard work. Lived on the coast on and off for the last 20 years, but have been home for 5 years and feel it's my time to get more involved with my people.
How old are you?
37
Why are you running for election?
I am running for election first of all because I love my people. I want nothing but the best for everyone. I feel like I can be a breath of fresh air. I will bring my values of honesty, equality and the power of the people to table.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
"Drug Awareness" - to the youth as they are the future. Too many youth are dying at rapid pace.
Gym - the youth have always needed a gymnasium.
Elder care - our elders hold the knowledge of our culture, land and the history our people. Take care of our elders and that will create the opportunity to hand down all that knowledge to our youth to keep our culture alive. Without our culture we no longer have an identity.
Housing - There's far too many people that are in need of housing of all different income levels.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
Drug overdoses, treatment centre, housing, education, language, health clinic, field maintenance of Ted Dixon, elders community.
Contact:
Raquel Joe, ch’elkwilwet
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
Hi my family, friends and fellow Sunshine Coasters. My traditional name is ch’elkwilwet. Name was passed down to me by my Uncle Phil. I carry this name with great pride.
I currently work for the shíshálh Nation in the tems swiya Museum as the curator and cultural liaison. I have been working in this department since 2016. My start date working for the nation was 1993, will be 30 years coming this May. I also work for the Capilano University, Sechelt division as the Sechelt Language instructor. I am involved with the Sechelt Drummers, I am one of the lead female singers. I love our cultural ways; I am a wool weaving instructor in my personal life, I harvest medicinal plants, I love being in the forest and spending time with the youth and speaking our language and sharing stories with them.
How old are you?
54
Why are you running for election?
The reason I am running for council is I feel I am ready to lead the nation in a positive direction. With my cultural background, this is the way of our people and think it would heal us from the inside out. I know I will have a lot to learn politically and I am very eager to learn all of the dynamics as a council member.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
If I am elected, I want to have that open door policy, be transparent. Willing to listen to the needs of the people and community. We need to have that connection to each other again. I think with my caring heart and open mindedness, I can and will make a difference. I am very approachable, my door will be open to discuss with any concerned band member.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
One of the concerns in our beautiful community is the drugs and the dealers. This issue is not only in our community but the whole Sechelt community. We must work together to get this ongoing problem resolved. Better facilities for detox, quick intakes for the ones suffering and are willing and ready to attend a treatment program. Another issue I heard is how to bring unity back in the community. There is a divide, and it can be resolved; by gathering together and being with each other for no reason, just to be together and have a meal and have fun. Cultural excursions with one another in our beautiful swiya that is only accessible by boat and culture share from the elders in attendance.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
In closing, I am Raquel Joe, born here in the shíshálh swiya 54 years ago. My lineage goes back thousands of years, and I very proud of that fact. I am here for you and the community. I put my best foot forward and serve you with all the best intentions. Huy la!
Tina Joe
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
I work at Kinnikinnick Elementary as an Aboriginal Support Worker / EA. I've been heavily involved with all of our Youth and Sports Education for the last 10 years. I've been a housing trustee for the last seven years.
How old are you?
42
Why are you running for election?
I've been actively involved in politics for the last 10 to 15 years and finally decided maybe if you can't do anything by going to the meetings, maybe I should try and change things myself. I want to make a difference and try to speak for the people.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
I really want to do health and wellness for our elders. I think we need way more elder care. We have the baby boomers right now and we have so many elders who aren't getting any care. Sometimes it's really hard for families to care, and some elders don't have a lot of family to care for them. Also, I really want to focus on use youth wellness, not just funding university but funding other passions for kids, so kids don't end up on the wrong side of the tracks.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
I am hearing a lack of transparency is one of our main concerns. A lack of housing is a really big one. I want to focus on building more houses that are affordable.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
Where do you see the Nation in 10 years, and how can you contribute to that? I would say a lot more united. A lot more transparent. Everybody healthier and happier.
F. Rochelle Jones
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
I am Rochelle Jones, formerly Baptiste proud shíshálh with a long line of ancestry to the swiya, where I have lived my life. I am married and have 2 biological children and 3 stepchildren. My work experience has been within the Government Administration for the shíshálh for close to 30 years including Band Manager and the interim CAO. I currently serve as the Infrastructure Services Division Manager and take my place in this community very seriously and with an abundance of care. My roles were in all different types of positions but mostly administrative. I have knowledge of the history of the government and am eager to serve in a different capacity to further our Nation and our very proud people.
How old are you?
53
Why are you running for election?
I am submitting my name for election because I have witnessed and learned from many great leaders. I feel it is time to put my name forward and facilitate a grassroots connection with our people and do the hard work that is necessary to keep our nation balanced with the knowledge of our past ancestors and in today's world. We know we must plan for the future. I have also worked closely with Shiloh Joe, hiwus candidate and Nievelina Carmona, hehiwus candidate and feel we can make a strong leadership team.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
If elected, the priority is to promote community Health and Well Being — holistically through culture language and housing. To build our people up through community driven planning for land use, finances and strategic direction. As political leaders financial transparency is key to establish trust between the administration and the people of shíshálh. It is the intent to meet people at their level and not in the boardroom of the colonial government offices.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
Some of the resounding issues are lack of housing, drug and alcohol and crime prevention, and elder/health care are some of the issues that shíshálh are putting forward.
We have also heard elders asking elected leaders to take care of themselves in all aspects of the medicine wheel. Clear mind, clear direction and as one heart.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
To acknowledge our elders, our past leaders and our community for always being there, their hard work and diligence. We all want the same thing and that is forward! Therefore, in order to move forward we must remember our past, our present and how we can build for the future!
ulnumsch chalap ? ekw mes siyaya
Contact:
Andrea Paul
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
Over 18 years working in Indigenous communities providing support and services to enhance the quality of life of Nation members with a focus on Employment, Training and Education.
How old are you?
49
Why are you running for election?
To be a support and a voice for community members and ensure fair and equal opportunities.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
Create affordable housing options, establish long-term recovery and care programs and increase community engagement.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
The community is requesting transparency from their leaders.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
What are your thoughts on the Sinku Drive residents? I believe additional research needs to be completed including an up to date engineer report on the hillside. All information should be provided to the community and that the best available options be presented. As this issue concerns not just the families living in this area but the community as a whole in regards to housing allocation and financing.
Contact:
Facebook: Andrea Paul for Shishalh Council
Philip Paul
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
I'm a dual red seal in automotive technician and a millwright for 17 years. Have been on the board of directors for a successful commercial fishing company. And the last 9 months on council after being successful in a by-election.
How old are you?
47
Why are you running for election?
For a few years family and friends have encouraged me to consider running. After being on the commercial fishing company board of directors, I wanted to do more for my community. I grew up with the influence of my mom and family always trying to help anyone who needs it. It is a very tough job, but is extremely rewarding to be afforded the opportunity to help where I can.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
Creating our financial administration law, updating policies, and improving our workplace health. Which are critical to enable the government and administration to increase services provided to nation members. Which includes housing construction and increased community services for elders and youth.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
A few competing priorities. Housing, youth and elder supports, and security in community especially relating to drug addiction deaths and crimes.
What do you wish we had asked? Please include your answer.
The continued disinterest of general members engagement. We see this across all levels of governments. We truly need the average person that has not really found the time or interest to contact us, even by email, their concerns or comments on what we are doing right. If people think we are doing well, that simple email of support lets us know we are headed in the right direction. We truly are here from the desire to help and do good for our people.
Contact:
[email protected], 604-741-5421
Lois Vader
Introduce yourself. What is your background/experience?
My parents were Hereditary Chief Henry Paull of the shíshálh Nation and Ruby Paull (nee Spencer) of lax kw’alaams BC.
I am a Registered Nursing Assistant (LPN), and have worked for our Nation in the capacity of Community Health Representative for 14 yrs (1994-2008) as well as being appointed as a Housing Trustee. Most recently I have worked for our Nation as support to Administration and Finance on a casual/on-call basis prior to COVID-19.
How old are you?
63
Why are you running for election?
I would like to see some changes with respect to administrative policies and practices and feel I have the knowledge and experience to help make this happen.
If elected, what are projects or priorities you'd bring to the next three years?
Water sustainability, housing, employment.
What concerns or responses are you hearing from community members?
Not enough communication between leadership and community.
