Les Sam, Ay yah app shielth, Chief Councilor
(Fisheries/Forestry portfolio)

Les is the oldest son of Syliva (Nelson) and the late Chuck Sam. He is married to Colleen(Gus) and they have 3 sons, Terry (wife Lisa, son Bailey), Glen, and Chevy.

Les was raised on reserve on both traditional foods and teachings. He learned about the Broken Group Islands from Jacob Gallic and his father and uncles taught him to fish and hunt. This led him to a lifetime of practicing his Aboriginal rights to hunting, fishing, and gathering. He continues to live his culture by singing and participating in ceremonial potlatches.

An avid sportsman, Les played both basketball and fastball. He played with the Eagles for about 20 years. 11 years ago Les founded the LSC Thunder Sports Club and has managed, played, and coached the “Thunder” ever since. Thunder has attended tournaments throughout B.C. and across Canada and the U.S.

In 1978 Les became an apprentice journeyman after taking a carpentry course at Camosun College. He founded Les Sam Construction and his company has constructed buildings such as NEDC, the Haahuupayak school, the Nanaimo First Nations administration building, Bank of Montreal Tsahaheh, as well as over 150 individual homes.

Les appreciates that the vote to elect the present Council was a vote for change. He notes that change doesn’t happen overnight and recognizes and appreciates the patience of the Tseshaht community. His faith in the present Council is based on a mutual understanding that they work together for the betterment of the Tseshaht community. Les’ dream is to see a healthy Tseshaht community where every Tseshaht member is respected for their gifts and valued for their contribution to their community.

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Deb Foxcroft:

Deb is the oldest daughter of Jan and James Gallic. She has two sisters, Wendy and Lisa, and one brother, Jason. Deb has two daughters, Kelly (husband Mike Poirier) and Dawn and has been married for over 30 years to Mike Foxcroft. Her grandparents are the late Jessie and Jimmy Gallic.

Deb graduated from high school at A.D.S.S. and began work as the Tseshaht Social Worker, then as Assistant Band Manager before going to Social Development at NTC. Deb was instrumental in the development and implementation of the USMA Nuu chah nulth program as well as the Daycare program. She has served on many Boards and Committees including the Tseshaht Market and the Tseshaht Family Protection Committee, as well as national organizations such as the First Nations Summit Child Welfare Committee and the National Indian Child Welfare Association Board. In this capacity, her contribution has been significant and has created the impetus for change in First Nations child welfare development. Deb was a founding member and past president of both the B.C. Aboriginal Childcare Society and the Caring for First Nations Children’s Society. She has been a central force in the First Nations child and family service movement in B.C.

In 1999 Deb was nominated for an Aboriginal Achievement Award. She received an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002 from the Child Welfare League of Canada. In June of 2003 she received the highest honor in B.C., the Order of British Columbia. The next year she was appointed to the Order of B.C. Advisory Board.

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Mike Watts, na naa ithla “spots of light on the rock”
(Housing & Membership portfolio)

Hughie Michael Clint Watts Sr., better known as Mike, is the common law spouse of Renee Perpick. Mike has three children, Paula, Hughie, and Adrianna Watts. Mike’s parents are Millie and the late Edward “Teddie” Watts. His grandparents are Grace and Hughie Watts and Emma and Jeffery Harris.

Mike graduated from ADSS in 1988. He has worked full time since 1986 and has been the Audio/Video Technician at NTC since 1992. Since 1999 Mike has served on numerous Tseshaht Boards and Committees before deciding to run for Council. Mike is eager to learn, listen and to look for solutions that will benefit the community today’s and future generations. He believes in a voice for everyone when that voice is used in a healthy manner. Mike lives by the ethic of lending a helping hand rather than pointing a critical finger. He also lives by the Tseshaht version of JFK’s memorable words, “Ask not what the Tseshaht community can do for me but what I can do for the Tseshaht community”.

Mike’s dream for Tseshaht is to have a healthy, happy, independent and culturally strong community.

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Dennis Bill
(Education Portfolio)

Dennis Bill is the son of Elizabeth Bill, the brother of Arlene Bill, and husband to Lizabeth Bill. Dennis has a degree in Education from the University of British Columbia and is currently working on his Masters in Education at Simon Fraser University. He has been a teacher at A.W. Niell Jr. Secondary School for the past 5 years.

Quite naturally, Dennis’ interest in our community is in education and seeing more success for students at all levels. Dennis’ concept is very traditional in nature as, for him, education begins at the time a child is born. One of Dennis’ dreams is to see our community become more involved in our culture, especially our language. Knowing your culture leads to a strong identity and self-esteem and leads to another dream Dennis has: a strong Tseshaht community – healthy in body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

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Willard Gallic Sr.

Willard was born in the Broken Group. His parents were Jeff and Jessie Gallic. His brothers and sisters are Kathy Robinson, James Gallic, the late Richard Gallic and Edward Gallic and Marianne Gallic. He has six sons and three daughters. Willard previously served on Council as Chief Councillor appointed by Chief Adam Shewish and was an active force on the treaty team.

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Tyrone Boyd Gallic

Tyrone is the son of Boyd Gallic and Valerie Gallic. The Grandson of Marion Gallic and the Late Richard Gallic. The Great Grandson of the Late Jacob Gallic and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Gallic. Tyrone has three sisters Shannon (Matt Auerbach), Bonnie, and Michelle.

Tyrone graduated from ADSS in 2002 and attended NIC from 2003-2004 taking Math and English. I will be going back to school sometime in the near future so that I can get further and learn more about business and business finance. Currently you can see me at the Tseshaht Market where I have been an employee for the past few years greeting every person from every nation with a hello, smile and a wave.

Since being elected I've learned a great deal about our nation and would like to see more appreciation for ourselves and our families as we become a whole in current times and learn from our community to achieve what we need to be.

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Qu(thl)aataqinyu, Richard James Sam Sr.
(Language and Culture Portfolio)

“So far it has been a very exciting time in my life and it is always challenging. But, because there are so many positive people in our community I’m finding it easier for our Council to be successful in moving forward in a constructive manner.” (Richard Sam, speaking on his election to the Tseshaht Council)

Richard is one of 11 children born to the late Agnes ( Watts) and Charlie Sam. Richard married twice. From his first marriage he has 4 children: Richard, Tina, Ron, and Barbara Rose. He and wife Maria Jimmy have a daughter Alicia.

Richard passed his GED test a few years after leaving high school. He then became a logger for a few years and then went through the phase of working on 6 month “make work” projects. That was when he realized that he was not going anywhere without more ediucation.

Richard took a Computer Applications in Business Management course at North Island College and received a “Book” award for finishing with the second highest mark in all administration courses at NIC. He then went to work for Richard Watts as a sales clerk until NTC, hearing of his computer accomplishments, hired him as a data processor. Today he is the NTC Network Supervisor.

Richard’s dreams for the Tseshaht community are big. These dreams include a decrease in substance abuse and the social problems associated with it, an increased land base for housing and commercial/business development, a higher percentage of Tseshaht students graduating both high school and post secondary studies, 85% employment for Tseshaht First Nations membership, and the settlement of Aboriginal Rights and Title so that our people can reap the benefits of the resources that rightfully belong to us.

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Wendy Gallic, wanaqsuthl, “precious one”
(Finance Portfolio)

Wendy is the 2nd daughter of Jan and James Gallic. Her late grandparents are Jessie and Jeff Gallic. She has two sisters, Deb and Lisa, and a brother Jason. She recognizes that her strong family ties ground her.

Wendy has worked for Nuu chah nulth communities since 1977. She states that her goals and aspirations have always been with our people. She has been working contract jobs for 12 years and credits this with her experience, knowledge, and understanding of a wide range of areas. Reflecting our traditions, Wendy does not see herself as being an expert but rather as always learning.

Wendy is presently working at NTC. She likes to work at the Tribal Council because she believes in them and in what they are doing. She feels she is accomplishing something when she works for the betterment of our people and all Nuu chah nulth aht.

Wendy has served on the Tseshaht Council for 12 years. She is on Council because she has a strong desire to make life better for her children and grandchildren. That is what guides her and makes her the person she is today. But, to Wendy, this is not just about family, it’s about all of us, all Tseshaht, all Nuu chah nulth aht. Her dream is to see Tseshaht working together. “If we could work together we can be more powerful and move ahead.”

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George Clutesi
(Language and Culture Portfolio)

George is the son of the late Margaret and Dr. George Clutesi. He has five sisters, Carol, Bonnie, Joy, Diane and Rosealee and two brothers, Guy and Edward. He has 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren.

George was in the Canadian Navy for 30 years and when not traveling the world, was stationed in Victoria and Nova Scotia. He retired as a Petty Officer in 1992 and returned home to Port Alberni. Since returning, George has sat on the Personnel Committee, the Finance Committee, the Haa huupayak School Board, as well as boards within the City of Port Alberni, Rainbow Gardens and the Port Alberni Friendship Centre.

George believes in and cares about the Tseshaht community. He believes in the beautification of the Tseshaht reserves. He would like our community to be a place where people will be proud to live, a place where people will be proud to say, “Yes, this is where I live.” His dream is to see community growth, both physical and monetary. This includes completion of the administration building and subdivision.

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