Electoral Commission

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Call for Applications | About the Electoral Commission | Documents

Apply to Join the Electoral Commission

Are you passionate about Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and want to contribute to the democratic process? The Electoral Commission is seeking applications from Members to fill current vacancies for the term ending January 2024.

The deadline to apply has been extended to August 31, 2023 at 4:30 pm.

If you have questions, please call 604-980-4553 and ask to speak with Council staff or email cco@squamish.net.

The vacancies are for one individual residing in Xwmélch’tstn (Capilano) Reserve and one individual residing off-reserve.

As a member of the Electoral Commission, you will have a vital role in the administration of elections and referendums. Your responsibilities will include compiling and maintaining the voters list, securing voting locations and equipment, and reporting to Council on each election and referendum. You will also be involved in developing and amending election laws, ensuring the voice of our community is heard. Commission members are compensated with an honorarium of $100 per half-day meeting (three hours) and $300 for a full-day meeting.

Application Form

What to include in your application

  • Completed application form
  • Resume with relevant experience & qualifications
  • Cover letter
  • Three references

How to apply

  • Email your application form and supporting documents to cco@squamish.net (preferred). Be sure to include the phrase “Electoral Commission Application” in the subject line of your email.
  • Drop off your application at 320 Seymour Blvd, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 2J3, Attn: Chair & Council Office.
  • Mail your application to PO Box 86131, North Vancouver, BC, V7L 4J5, Attn: Chair & Council Office.

About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission was established in 2015 to ensure fair and transparent elections and referendums. It is made up of seven voting members, two alternates, and one non-voting member. Each seat represents a particular region or demographic of the community.

If you have any questions about the Electoral Commission, please email info@snelectoralcommission.com.

On January 23, 2020, Council appointed the following for a four-year term from 2020 to 2024.

Elder

Les Harry

My name is Les Harry, and my ancestral name is Hawaleren. I am the Elders representative on the Squamish Nation Electoral Commission, and this is my first term.  My mother is Gwen Harry (Baker), and my Father was the late Ernie Harry. I applied to be on the Electoral Commission because I wanted to be more involved in the community. With my experience, I can help the Commission in the upcoming referendum and Council Elections.

Les Harry
Squamish Valley

Jonny Williams

My name is Jonathan Williams and I am the Squamish Valley representative on the Squamish Nation Electoral Commission. This will be my first term. My Squamish lineage is from my mom and her name is Charlene Williams. Her parents are Richard Williams and Linda Williams. Wilfred (Doc) Williams, Josephine Williams, Allen Lewis and Elizabeth (Betty) Lewis were my great grandparents. I grew up in the Squamish Valley. I have been involved with the community and culture since I was a child. I applied to be on the Electoral Commission because I wanted to learn more about how our governance system works and the people who do this work. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this good work going on in our community.

Jonny Williams
Xwmel’chtstn (Capilano)

Crystal Ricketts

Crystal Ricketts (née Paull) is from the Squamish Nation. Her parents are the late Johnny & Johanna Paull (née Mission). Both were registered Squamish Nation members, but Johanna is originally from the Ktunaxa Nation. Crystal is involved in many Indigenous projects and sits on various Indigenous boards and committees. She is passionate about family, change in policies, and the decolonizing process for Indigenous people across Canada. She is the Capilano representative, and this is her second term. Crystal will graduate with her Masters in Education in the Summer of 2021.
Crystal Ricketts (until 2023)
Eslhá7an & Ch’ich’ílx̱wiḵw’

Kathleen Smith

My name is Sosulyia, Kathleen Smith. I am the eldest daughter of Carole Newman, Yataltanaut (t) and Thomas Walton. My grandparents are Florence John & Harry Newman. My husband of 31+ years is Bruce Smith. After working several years in the hospitality industry and in my mid-thirties, I went back to school and got a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA). I also earned a Certified General Accountant designation. (CPA-CGA). I worked for 22 years in the Squamish Nation Finance Department as an Accounting Manager and retired in November 2019. Since retiring, I was looking for another way to make a contribution to the Nation when I saw the call out for Electoral Commission members. I am proud to be the Mission/Seymour representative. I look forward to building on the hard work the previous Commission members did, and implementing the updated Electoral code.
Kathleen Smith
Off-Reserve

Saul Joseph

My name is Saul Joseph and I am an off-reserve representative on the Squamish Nation Electoral Commission. My Squamish Nation lineage is from my dad, Chief Floyd Joseph. My grandparents on my dad’s side are the late Larry and Rose Joseph (née Tom). I was born and raised in Victoria and moved back to Vancouver in 2014. I am a lawyer, who practices all areas of Indigenous Business, including: corporate and commercial, Aboriginal and Treaty rights and other Constitutional matters, environmental and governance. I wanted to be on the Commission in order to contribute to the community and to assist in this expression of the Nation’s inherent jurisdiction.

Saul Joseph (until 2023)
Youth

Brittany John

My name is Brittany John and I am the Youth Representative on the Squamish Nation Electoral Commission. This will be my second term. My dad is Robert John and my grandparents are Victoria ‘Vicky’ John and the late Jimmy Gillespie and the late Louie John. My mom, Mona, has lineage from Tseycum First Nation and St̓át̓imc Nations. I grew up outside the community, but I really started to pay attention to Council elections about 12 years ago. I applied to be on the Electoral Commission because I wanted to be more involved in the community. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this good work and look forward to seeing our new Squamish Nation Election and Referendum Law in action during our upcoming Council elections.

Brittany John

Membership Registrar (non-voting member)

Monica Jacobs

The Membership Registrar, provided he or she is not a candidate or a Squamish elected official, is a non-voting commission member and must not be counted for the decision of quorum, but for all other purposes is considered a full commission member. This is outlined on page 41 of the Squamish Nation Election & Referendum Law in Section 5.1.3(b).
 
Monica Jacobs

The rules governing elections were contained in the 1981 Squamish Indian Band Election Regulations. In September 2015, Council approved the creation of the Electoral Commission as an arms-length body to assist the Squamish People in exploring the topic of election reform. The following Members served this first term, engaging with the community and incorporating feedback on changes to the 1981 Regulations which resulted in the 2018 Election & Referendum Law.

  • Dave Jacobs
  • Christine Baker
  • Crystal Ricketts
  • Clarissa Antone
  • Jacob Lewis
  • Donalene Rapada
  • Shayla Jacobs
  • Renee Campbell
  • Brittany John

Documents

Election & Referendum Law

Approved by Membership on December 6, 2018

Election & Referendum Regulation

Approved by Membership on November 5, 2019

2021 Council Election Timeline

Main Office

320 Seymour Blvd
North Vancouver, BC, V7L 4J5
604-980-4553

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