2025 Election

Nominee – Chief Dalton Silver

Nominated for: Chief

I come from a long line of leadership from the Malloway/Silver family. My mother is Marlene Malloways from the Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe in Chilliwack, and my father was Dave Silver from Semá:th First Nation. My grandparents were Ambrose and Nellie-Jane (Jean) Silver from Semá:th and Ritchie and Edna Malloway from Chilliwack.

Read Chief Dalton Silver’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Councillor Clint Tuttle

Nominated for: Councillor

It has been my honor to serve Semá:th as a Councillor. For those who may not know me, my name is Clint Tuttle and I’m a part of the Silver family from my mother, Mona Silver’s side. I recall that the first time I was nominated for Council, I had little confidence that I would be elected, but then the door burst open and my little cousin cried “Congratulations Councillor!” As I recall my response was “yeah right”. Looking back, I can say that my journey in Council has been one of wholehearted service for the community.

Read Councillor Clint Tuttle’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Councillor Chris Silver

Nominated for: Chief, Councillor

Thetáx – Christopher Allen Silver comes from a long line of leadership from the Jones/Silver family. His mother is Gayle Jones who has ties to the Tecumseh Tribe in Windsor, Ontario and his father is Herbert Silver from Semá:th (Sumas First Nation).

Born and raised in Semá:th, Christopher Silver has been in leadership for 4 years. He was elected to Semá:th Council in 2019 and re-elected as Councillor in 2022, but he didn’t come by this role in leadership by chance.

Read Councillor Chris Silver’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Councillor Troy Ganzeveld

Nominated for: Councillor

I have had the honour of serving our Nation as a Councillor for the past three years, and I remain dedicated to strengthening our community and safeguarding our future; S’olh Temexw te ikw’elo Xolhmet te mekw ‘stam it kwelat – This is our land. We have to look after everything that belongs to us.

Read Councillor Troy Ganzeveld’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Paula Olmstead (Silver)

Nominated for: Councillor

Paula Olmstead, born in Abbotsford to Irene Silver (Miller) and Dr. Ray Silver Xaytèlq, is a proud mother, grandmother, wife, and aunt. At 55, she has been married to her husband, Owen, for 16 years but started the journey 30 years ago. Together they have a blended family of six adult children and six grandchildren, two of whom live with them. Family has always been a cornerstone of Paula’s life.

Read Paula Olmstead’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Luwana Louis

Nominated for: Councillor

Ey swayel! Táteló:melhót tel sqix. Hello! My name is Luwana Louis, growing up you knew me as sis. and I am proud to be a member of the Sumas First Nation, belonging to the Williams family. I deeply value the relationship I have with my parents, Mud & Lulu, and am incredibly grateful for all they have done for me, my brother, my children, our cousins, aunts, and uncles. Their unwavering support over the years has been a cornerstone of our lives, and I truly appreciate every bit of guidance and encouragement they have provided.

Read Luwana Louis’ full bio HERE

Nominee – Dena Silver

Nominated for: Councillor

Geraldena (Dena Silver), KwuLuSulWut, born in Abbotsford and raised in Kilgard, Sumas First Nation. My parents are Barbara Silver (nee: Kelly) and late Herman Silver, both from Kilgard. My paternal grandparents are the late Ambrose and Jean Silver (nee: Shaw). My maternal grandparents are Hugh and Edyth Kelly (nee: Williams). I was born the seventh child of twelve. I have six sons, four grandsons, god/adopted grandson and step granddaughter. I was introduced to the longhouse culture at age 11 and began to practice at age 23.

Read Dena Silver’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Beatrice Silver

Nominated for: Chief

Sō’í:yel, Beatrice Elaine Silver, of Semá:th First Nation, is a born leader. Her traditional name, gifted from her mother, means protector of our sacred lands. Bea has served as Chief of Semá:th and is an advocate for her home and her people. Bea has chosen the logo, “Protectors of Our Lands” for herself as that’s how she sees her journey.

Beatrice’s formal education includes a bachelor’s in education, a special education diploma, and a master’s in education from the University of BC.

Read Beatrice Silver’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Iris Point (Ned)

Nominated for: Councillor

Alison “Iris” Point (Nee: Ned) was born and raised on the Semá:th First Nation to Tl’owkómot Tess Ned (Nee: Brown; Wise-Rice) and Qwálosenstel Larry Ned Sr.

My traditional name is Xalunamut of Semá:th. Growing up you knew me as Iris; legally my name is Alison “Iris” Point my brother Larry Ned the 2^nd could not say Alison, but he could say Iris and that was my middle name, and it stuck with me till now. I have not changed my name as this was the name of my parents’ dear friend Al’. They thought I was going to be a boy, but proudly I came as a girl and then they called me Alison! I am a very proud Semá:th First Nation member, belonging to the Ned family.

Read Iris Point’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Sam Kelly

Nominated for: Councillor

My name is Sam Kelly and my traditional name is Kwa-Ka-Latsa. I was born and raised here at Sumas. My parents are John Kelly Sr and Maureen Kelly. I am currently working at Sumas as the Maintenance Supervisor. I take pride in the hard work that we do for the community to ensure their needs are taken care of. Some of my hobbies include hunting, fishing and spending time with my 5 granddaughters.

Read Sam Kelly’s full bio HERE

Nominee – Derek Silver

Nominated for: Councillor

My name is Derek Silver (Iyoleweleq), I was born and raised in Sumas first nation. My Mother is Dena Silver, and I got to live my younger years with my Grandparents, Herman and Barb Silver.

I Graduated high school at Yale Secondary, and then went to UCFV where I took the Aboriginal Culture Language Support Work course. For my work-life, I started off at Abbotsford School District and now am working with Correctional Services of Canada as an Indigenous Liaison Officer.

Read Derek Silver’s full bio HERE