SC’IȺNEW First Nation is a community whose leadership builds on the foundation of past leaders to encourage community teamwork, unity, fairness, and equality. Through trusted leadership, guided by elders, the relationships between family and community are strengthened by SC’IȺNEW Chief and Council collective decisions that benefit all members.

SC’IȺNEW is a community whose Chief and Council strengthens and creates healthier and happier lifestyles by promoting healthy community services; and providing economic opportunities through residential and commercial development while protecting the lands, resources, language, and cultural knowledge of the people.

Through education of changing society and its relationship to past and present traditional values, the pathway for community pride are the stepping stones of sustainable employment, increased education, holistic health, respectful and open communication upon which present and future generations will build a harmonious community working together as one.

Chief

Russ Chipps is the elected chief of SC’IȺNEW, and he’s been serving in this capacity for two decades. He considers getting people back home to the community his biggest responsibility. To do that, he works towards achieving goals like securing housing for members, creating a stronger housing policy, developing modern infrastructure, and obtaining more registered lots. Chief Russ understands that economic development is the only way to attain progress and growth for the community.

Chief Russ brings with him significant experience that includes a board seat at Intertribal Health, serving as South Island rep for First Nations Health Authority, being a member of the school board of District 62, and vice chairing the South Island Indigenous Authority. He has also worked with the Indigenous Monitor Committee for Trans Mountain Expansion and the South Island Wellness Society.

When Chief Russ is not busy serving and helping the community, he can be found fishing, advocating for ocean protection, or preparing to combat oil spills.

Council Member, Office Manager – Ocean Resources, Lands Committee Member.

Sheeba helps anywhere she can within the community, serving as the lands committee, officer manager for ocean resources, and council member. She also provides security services for the nation.

Outside of her Beecher Bay responsibilities, Sheeba is a full-time mother to two daughters and a son. She has completed training and is certified for proposal grant writing and administrative communications, she has excellent computer skills, she has helped many members with resumes. She is also licensed to drive vessels with her SVOP. Sheeba has an Advanced Drone Pilot license. She completed her Project Management Course last year and is now a certified Project Management.

Elected Band Councilor; Land Assistant

Traci Pateman is serving her second term as an Elected Band Councilor. As band councillor, she helps create policies and guidelines for the community and makes sure that its day-to-day business runs smoothly as leaders work towards economic development. She also serves as lands assistant, working closely with the lands manager in tasks like policy creation and permit issuance.

Traci takes pride in her previous management experience, which has helped her perform her current council duties well. Today, Traci’s favourite part of the job is simply being able to serve her nation and having the chance to leave a legacy through the work she does.

During her spare time, Traci does a lot of cooking. She also loves doing art. But hanging out with her three kids always tops the list.