Leading our Nation
Chief Dalton Silver
Chief Dalton Silver has dedicated decades of leadership to advancing the rights, prosperity, and well-being of the Sumas First Nation. With a steadfast commitment to protecting Aboriginal rights and title, fostering economic growth, and strengthening government relations, Chief Silver continues to guide our Nation with wisdom, integrity, and a deep respect for our people and the land we call home.
Lead Portfolio: Aboriginal Rights & Title, Economic Development, Environment, Inter-Government Affairs, Membership & Elections
Elected Chief: 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2004
Elected Councillor: 2001, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1992
Semá:th Declaration
Sumas First Nation signed a Declaration in June 2017. This Declaration outlines how the Semá:th has been operating from a Chief and Council to Administration level from time immemorial. While affirming our spiritual beliefs, our languages, and our cultural ways to protect the land, water, and air within our Territory, we affirm that we’ve never reached any agreement or treaty with the Government of Canada and British Columbia concerning the occupation, settlement, or jurisdiction over our land. This includes but is not limited to where we are located, and that we have been here since time immemorial, as we continue to exercise our rights and fulfill our responsibilities and given to us by the Creator. This is affirmed within our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Meet the Council: Steering Our Future
The Sumas First Nation has four (4) elected officials who lead and support portfolio assignments; Chief and Council have three (3)-year terms. The next Election will be held in 2028.
We are honoured to be elected and serve as the Sumas Government and recognize our responsibility to “provide strong leadership, guidance, and support for the greater good of our nation,” as our Mission states.
We strive to align Sumas First Nation Governance with the social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological goals we have set as a community. We pursue business opportunities on our lands and within the region to generate wealth and prosperity for our people, but we balance growth with preserving Sumas values, culture, and territory.
Clint Tuttle
Lead Portfolio: Administration & Finance, Forestry, Public Works & Housing, Taxation
Support Portfolio: Elders & Youth, Social Development
Shared Portfolio: Aboriginal Rights & Title, Economic Development, Environment, Inter-Government Affairs, Membership & Elections
Elected Councillor: 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007
Troy Ganzeveld
Lead Portfolio: Child & Families, Education, Fisheries, Semá:th Lands, Emergency Management
Support Portfolio: Administration & Finance, Health, Mining, Public Works & Housing, Taxation, Stó:lō Service Agency
Shared Portfolio: Aboriginal Rights & Title, Economic Development, Environment, Inter-Government Affairs, Membership & Elections
Elected Councillor: 2025, 2022
Sam Kelly
Lead Portfolio: Elders & Youth, Mining
Support Portfolio: Culture, Fisheries, Forestry, Emergency Management
Shared Portfolio: Aboriginal Rights & Title, Economic Development, Environment, Inter-Government Affairs, Membership & Elections
Elected Councillor: 2025
Iris Point
Lead Portfolio: Culture, Health, Social Development, Stó:lō Service Agency
Support Portfolio: Child & Families, Education, Semá:th Lands
Shared Portfolio: Aboriginal Rights & Title, Economic Development, Environment, Inter-Government Affairs, Membership & Elections
Elected Councillor: 2025
