Sumas First Nation 2025 Election
The 2025 Sumas First Nation Election is an important opportunity for community members to participate in the selection of leadership that will guide the Nation forward. This page provides key details about the election process, including important dates, eligibility requirements, voting methods, and candidate information.
We encourage all eligible members to stay informed and exercise their right to vote. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our Nation. Please check back regularly for updates and official announcements regarding the election process.
For any questions or assistance, or to suggest additional content be included on this page, please contact Cheyenne Ned (Governance and Policy Coordinator): cheyenne.ned@sumasfirstnation.com
Important Dates & Deadlines
March 5th, 2025: Nominations Meeting & Candidate Acceptance Deadline
Nomination meeting will be held March 5th, 2025, at the Community Hall, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
March 7th: Notice of Poll and Preliminary List of Candidates posted
Please see the Important Documents section of this webpage for these notices.
March 19th, 2025: Candidate Deadline to Withdraw
Any candidate wishing to withdraw after the nomination meeting must submit a signed letter to the Electoral Officer (OneFeather) at least 35 days prior to the Election.
April 10, 2025: Candidates Forum
We invite all nominees that accept candidacy on March 5, 2025, to join with your community to express your position and participate in important discussions (held April 10, at the Community Hall, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM). Please see the Candidates Forum Information Post for details.
April 23, 2025: Election Date
More details coming soon. Please see the official Notice of Poll for current information.
April 25, 2025: Swearing In Ceremony
More details coming soon
Important Documents
Election Code Handbook
Amended SFN Election Handbook and Reference 2025
Amended SFN Election Handbook and Reference 2017
SFN Election Code Handbook
Nominations Information
Notice of Nomination Meeting
Nomination Form
Candidate Nomination Package
Notice of Poll
Candidate Information
Candidate Bios
Please welcome Sumas First Nation’s nominated candidates for Chief and Council positions (2025 – 2028 term).
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 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: Iris Point (Ned)
Nominated for: Councillor
Bio coming soon
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: 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’s full bio HERE
Nominee: Beatrice Silver
Nominated for: Chief
Bio coming soon
Nominee: Derek Silver
Nominated for: Councillor
Bio coming soon
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: 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’s full bio HERE
Nominee: Sam Kelly
Nominated for: Councillor
Bio coming soon
Nominee: Dena Silver
Nominated for: Councillor
Bio coming soon
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