Government & Constitution

The shishalh Nation’s Constitution can be viewed here. The most recent additions and amendments were approved in 2019.

Our Mission

We are strong and we succeed because of our people and the strength of our ancestors.

The mission of the shishalh Nation is, grounded in our traditional laws and practices, to provide a healthy and safe community for every member. shishalh people, guided by the lessons of our ancestors, since time immemorial have governed our swiya, protecting and managing our environment, creating a safe and healthy community for creatures big and small.

Everyone in our community has a role to play in creating a healthy community. Putting our Nation’s needs first, loving, caring, and trusting our people we will continue the work of our ancestors.

Our values

Loving

We will listen, observe, value, and embrace each other and our members. Everyone in our community has a role to play in the success of our Nation.

Respectful

We will respect our ancestors, our elders, and our youth. Remembering where we come from carrying forward the work of our ancestors.

Trusting

We will trust each other. Knowing we are all working for the betterment of our community through respectful transparency.

Adaptable

We will carry the values of our ancestors and look for innovative solutions to address current challenges. We still strive for transformative actions to meet current needs.

Grounded

We will ground ourselves in our history and our culture. Like our ancestors, we will have one foot in the past and one in the future.

Humble

We will lead with humility. Working with and for our community bringing in the voices and values of every generation.

Election

Who can be nominated for the Councillor?

A member of the shíshálh Nation who qualifies as a voter may be nominated as a Councillor

Nomination Process

A voter must be physically present at the Nomination Meeting, December 19, 2023, to be eligible for nomination as a candidate
Each candidate must be nominated and seconded by a qualified voter and that voter must sign a declaration confirming the nomination
The candidate will sign a Notice of Acceptance of Nomination in the presence of the Electoral Office

Who can vote?

All voters are solely responsible for ensuring that the administration has their current contact information.

All shíshálh Nation members who are 18 years of age on or before February 3, 2024 – no matter where you live!
You must be on the Voters’ List!

The Voters’ List will be available at the shíshálh Nation administration office. It will be updated frequently as new applications are accepted. There are specific dates that will be posted on when changes will need to be made.

How to vote?

Make your mark count

There are two valid ways to mark your ballot. A check mark or an X can be used to vote. Do NOT sign your ballot or it will be spoiled and not counted.

Mail-in Ballots

Voters who are ordinarily resident on shishalh Lands and unable to vote in person due to disability on the date of the election, or voters who are not ordinarily resident on shishalh Lands, may vote by mail-in ballot if they deliver a completed Application for Remote Ballot to the Electoral Officer by a certain date.

The application form can be obtained from the Electoral Officer. Make sure to include your full mailing information, phone number, and birthdate on your request. The ballot must be received prior to the close of Election Polls.

You Need Identification to Vote

shishalh Voters must prove their identify to cast a vote in the upcoming referendums for the proposed changes to the Constitution and the Lehigh referendum. Either your Status Card or a valid BC Driver’s License can be used as identification when you vote.

shishalh Voters without proper identification can be vouched for to vote.
The person who vouches for you must be able to produce the proper identification requirements (Status Card/BC Driver’s License) AND be one of the following:

Registered as shishalh voter
Be a spouse, parent, grandparent or adult child, grandchild, or sibling of the voter
A person having legal authority to make personal care decisions in respect to the person being vouched for
Voter and Voucher must each make a solemn declaration as to the voter’s identify and place of residence
A voter who has been vouched for may not vouch for any other voter at that election

You can find the Election and Referendum Law here.

Do you have questions?

Get in touch with the shishalh Nation.