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Current Chief and Council

Shaunee Casavant (Chief Councillor)

My name is Naaskuuisaks. I am a Nuuchahnulth woman from the Hupacasath and Tseshaht tribes near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. My families are the Watts and Sams. I was born and raised in Port Alberni among my extended family members. I have one son, Marshall Lee Cooper, who is a chef in Vancouver, BC.

After graduating from Alberni District Secondary School, 2 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces and the birth of my son, I went back to school.

I graduated with my diploma in nursing from Cariboo College and in 1988 received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated with Honours from the University of Victoria. Following my nursing experience in neurosurgical nursing and community health nursing/health education I worked at jobs with increasing amounts of responsibility for the federal and provincial governments. I developed a solid foundation in management, administration, policy and program development and I gained an understanding of how government works.

I was employed as the Administrator and director of Care for Tsawaayuus Care Facility in Port Alberni from1993-99. I oversaw 5 departments and 60 employees providing care to 30 residents in this nursing home for Aboriginal people.

While employed as the Executive Director of the First Nations Chiefs’ Health Committee I was responsible for the overall operation of the office including planning, policy development, intergovernmental planning, training and providing advice on all matters of importance to the Committee.

I developed the curriculum and taught the course ‘Aboriginal Health Care Systems’ as part of the award winning Aboriginal Health Care Administration Program at the University of BC.

I have had executive level positions with non-profit organizations for the past 15 years including an Aboriginal capital corporation and an arts centre/music school.

In 2006 I established my own business, Tiichmis Consulting Ltd. Some of the contracts completed include acting as Executive Director for a research group to complete year-end activities, producing Annual Reports, doing site visits for research on Early Childhood Development Projects, completing a Hupacasath Community Skills Inventory, community consultation on the Hupacasath election code and training Squamish Nation health staff to utilize a new reporting system.

For one year prior to being the Elected Chief Councillor of the Hupacasath First Nation, I was employed as the Executive Director of the Hupacasath Development Corporation (HDC). I was responsible to set-up and manage the office on behalf of the Board of Directors. During the short term of employment I was able to revise the HFN Economic Development Plan, engage the community in discussions about economic development, created interest of property owners of prime commercial real estate to work with the HFN on potential businesses, coordinate a feasibility study on a band-owned lot and incorporate the society with non-Hupacasath business people as directors.

Currently I work at Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) as the Site Manager of the Assisted Living Residence. An exciting project that I am involved with concerns the exhibition of Nuuchahnulth Ceremonial Curtains at the Belkin Gallery (University of BC) that opens in 2010. Hupacasath artist, Chuuchkamalthnii aka Ron Hamilton has designed and painted more than 50 ceremonial curtains over the past 40 years.

Beyond my education and experience, some of my unique qualifications will contribute to the success of the Hupacasath People and the Hupacasath First Nation Council. My mother’s and my father’s family are both active in feasts, potlatches and other cultural events. I own a ceremonial curtain that has been used by my close relations numerous times in potlatches, weddings and other events. I am well versed in the protocols around use of a ceremonial curtain and I am knowledgeable about the meaning behind our various Nuuchahnulth rituals and ceremonies.

As a leader, I plan to:

  • Foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness and confidence while improving the quality of life for Hupacasath community members
  • Establish partnerships and supportive relationships in all sectors to advance Economic Development
  • Build on strengths of the community and provide excellent administration with competent staff
  • Facilitate family togetherness and involvement of youth
  • Contribute to the well being of all in our traditional territory as we play a lead role in cultural tourism
  • Respect other viewpoints while asserting Hupacasath viewpoints
  • Prepare our youth to be successful parents and good citizens
  • Facilitate a resurgence of Hupacasath language and Hupacasath cultural practices
  • Seek out opportunities to increase our land base and increase housing options for community members

 

Warren LauderWarren Lauder (Councillor)

Warren Lauder (E-eek ma ooht la) has been an elected councillor for the past 6 years and has also served as the Forest Resource Manager. In the role of Forest Resource Manager Warren has the responsibility to manage the community’s forestry operations (Woodlot and Salvage) in a sustainable manner.

The Forest Resource Manager also is tasked with bringing added value to the overall forestry operation by identifying additional funding and business development opportunities through grants and R&D programs and seek economic opportunities within the forestry field. In performing the above the Forest Resource Manager must also be committed to safe work practices under the Hupacasath Safety Policy and abide by the Safety Accord under the B.C. Forest Safety Council.

Warren serves as a member of Upnit Power Corporation and holds the portfolio for Health and Education and takes pride in representing and working for the Hupacasath First Nation

 

Steve Tatoosh (Councillor)

Steve oversees the Natural Resources Department to ensure sufficient protection of Hupacasath rights and titles. This includes data base management, administrative reporting, and staff supervision.