We, the Pacheedaht First Nation, exercise our rights, title and jurisdiction with the active use and management of our lands.
Vision Statement
We, the Pacheedaht First Nation, exercise our rights, title and jurisdiction with the active use and management of our lands.
Our sacred land is our home, which brings us peace, safety and comfort and connects us to each other and our ancestors.
We are a thriving, strong and resilient community who continue to actively live the teachings of our ancestors of how to care for the land.
Our lands of abundant wildlife, clean air, pristine water and beautiful forests sustain a healthy habitat for our animals, seafood, fish and forests for the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.
Every harvest we fill our freezers with a bounty of food for winter while ensuring the sustainability of our resources.
Governance Structure
Pacheedaht First Nation operates under an election system that follows the Indian Act. We are in the process of moving toward a self-governance system whereby we make our own laws and policies.
We currently have one elected chief, Chief Arthur Jeffrey Jones, and two elected Councillors, Tracy Charlie and Trystan Jones. We also follow our traditional hereditary system. Our Hereditary Chief is Frank Jones.
Territory
“People of the Seafoam” are closely related in terms of kinship, language and culture to other First Nations on Vancouver Island such as family tribes to the West and South. Our traditional territory extends from Bonilla Point in the west, to Kirby Creek to the east, eastward inland to the height of land on Vancouver Island, and westward out to the offshore waters and fishing banks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Hereditary Chief
Pacheedaht First Nation is actively governed by Hereditary Chief Queesto and historically held by the Queesto Family lineage.
Jeffery Jones, Chief
“Pacheedaht First Nation (PFN), are the most southern Nuu-chah-nulth tribe located on the south west coast of Vancouver Island. As a Nation, we are on a steady journey of self-governance. As leaders of the community, we are dedicated to improving the health, safety and economic prosperity of our community while ensuring our lands, waters, teachings and culture are protected for present and future generations.”
Tracy Charlie, Councillor
Born and raised in Pacheedaht all of her life, Tracy Charlie has been an Elected Councillor for a number of years. Following the loss of the great man Mr. McClurg, she has also come to fulfill the role of Treaty Negotiator. Tracy grew up with her late parents, five girls and multiple ‘foster’ children. Now married to her husband Bear she has three adult sons, four step children and four grandchildren. Passionate about culture and heritage, she is committed to the continued growth of the Nation—from economic development opportunities to cultural learning.
Trystan Jones, Councillor
Elected Councillor Trystan Jones grew up seeing his Dad, Elected Chief Councillor Jones, in politics his entire life. Following in his footsteps with a firm commitment to Pacheedaht Nation, Trystan is passionate about transforming education for the Nation’s youth. Instead of learning within the confines of four walls, his work with the Nation pushes for youth to use their whole territory to view who they are—walking hand in hand, side by side the community.
Natural Resources
Fisheries and Wildlife
Pacheedaht Fisheries and Wildlife department takes care of the Nation’s most prized resources within lands and waters of the Traditional territory. Many restoration projects are underway to ensure that these important foods and medicines are available for hundreds of years to come.
Helen Jones
research@pacheedaht.ca
Forestry
The forestry economy has been active in Pacheedaht territory, which is known for its unique high production forests. The coastal rainforest has provided for Pacheedaht people since time immemorial and many archaeological resources and Cultural forests have been identified that confirm the strong reliance on timber and non-timber products. The Nation has developed detailed strategies to protect the important resources for members to access, as well as sustainable long term planning.
Land
Pacheedaht’s territory is vast and runs from Bonilla Point to the west to Kirby Creek to the east along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It stretches inland towards Lake Cowichan and out into the open ocean to encompass Swiftsure Bank. The extent of the territory is a testimony to the strength of the Nation, rich resources and strong governance.
The Nation is in Stage 5 of the BCTC Treaty process and continues to build the lands portfolio annually.
Staff Directory
Reception
reception@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2200
Roger Nopper, Executive Director
execdir@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2204
Dorothy R Jones, Bookkeeper / Indian Registry Administrator
dorothyj@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2220
Helen Jones, Fisheries Manager
research@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2205
Jeff Jones, Chief / Fisheries
jeffj@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2211
Joan McKinnon, Finance
joanm@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2202
Kristine Pearson, Referrals
referrals@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2208
Lillian Campbell, Janitorial
lilliancampbell2016@gmail.com
Mark Pentecost, West Coast Trail Manager
westcoasttrail@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2214
Pamela Jones, Heritage Researcher
pacheedaht177@hotmail.com
ext. 2218
Rob Price, Finance Director
finance@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2203
Shadley Taylor, Economic Development Director
ecdev@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2206
Tracy Charlie, Treaty / Council
treaty@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 2207
Carol Hill, Community Nurse
carolh@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 3202
Krystal Smith, Administration / Medical Clerk / Care Aid
krystalsmith@pacheedaht.ca
ext. 3200
Amanda Hamilton, Education, Youth, Skills & Training Manager
education@pacheedaht.ca
Patrice Dubnick
edpatrice@pacheedaht.ca
Cheri Charlie & Lorne Canute, Youth Workers
youth@pacheedaht.ca
Jen, Community Garden Coordinator
garden@pacheedaht.ca
Elizabeth Dick, Elder in Residence / Arts & Culture Teacher
Roseanne Jones, Social Development