Governance • Sq'éwqel
Referendums & Elections
Every four years, Sq’éwqel members elect a Chief and eight Councillors. Between elections, members vote on referendums that shape our lands, laws, and collective future. This page brings together everything you need in one place.
Last Election
April 15, 2026
Next Election
April 2030
Governing Code
Election Code, 2016
Latest Update • April 15, 2026
Sq'éwqel 2026 Election — Official Results
Chief
Margaret (Maggie) Pettis
Eight Councillors elected · See full results below
Latest Updates
Notices, results, and calls for input
Every notice issued for this election cycle, in chronological order. The most recent notices appear first.
15
Apr 2026
11
Mar 2026
11
Mar 2026
7
Mar 2026
7
Mar 2026
April 15, 2026
Sq'éwqel 2026 — Official Results
Conducted in accordance with the Seabird Island Election Code (2016). Eight Councillor seats were filled alongside the office of Chief.
Elected - Office of Chief
Margaret (Maggie) Pettis
122 votes · 32% of ballots cast
Elected — Council (8 seats)
Ordered by votes received
01
Rodney Peters
203
02
Willow Walker
183
03
Chaundine Fisher
168
04
Marlana Peters
148
05
Arlene (Lolly) Andrew
145
06
Marcia (Marcie) Peters
143
07
Tyrone McNeil-Bobb
143
08
Tasheenah Peters
129
Ballots Cast
372
Turnout
49%
Spoiled
0
Candidate Bios
Everyone who stood in 2026
All candidate bios are the candidates' own words, supplied on an equal-opportunity basis. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Sq'éwqel. Missing a bio? Email comm@seabirdisland.ca.
Governance Code & Plans
The laws and plans we've voted into effect
These are the community-approved codes and plans that govern how Sq’éwqel makes decisions about its lands, its elections, its membership, and its children. Each one was ratified or amended by referendum.
01
Land Use Plans
How we care for and develop our lands
In effect since 2019 • Under Review 2026
The Land Use Plan sets out community-approved zoning, land designations, and development priorities across Sq'éwqel reserve lands. It guides housing, agriculture, commercial, and cultural-use decisions.
Documents
Land Use Plan Review & Update
4.0 MB • PDF
02
Election Code
How we elect Chief & Council
Current Version: 2016
The Election Code (2016) governs all Chief and Council elections, by-elections, nominations, voting procedures, and appeals. All 2026 election activity was conducted under this Code.
Documents
Election Code Review Committee Update
299 KB • PDF
03
Membership Code
Who belongs to Sq'éwqel
Enactment Date: 1999 • Under Review
The Membership Code sets the rules for determining who is a member of the Seabird Island Band, including application, enrolment, appeals, and the Membership List.
Documents
Membership Code Review Committee Update
1.0 MB • PDF
04
Child & Family Services Jurisdiction
Our inherent right to care for our children
In Active Development
Under federal Bill C-92, Sq'éwqel is exercising inherent jurisdiction over child and family services. The Child & Family Law centres culture, kinship, and prevention.
Documents
Child & Family Services Jurisdiction Update
399 KB • PDF
Documents
Every form & code, in one place
All downloadable governance documents referenced across this page. Most are PDF; size is shown.
Council Governance Manual
1.0 MB • PDF
Candidate's Nomination Package for General Election of Chief and Council
371 KB • PDF
Election Code
13.6 MB • PDF
Standard Consent to Share Personal Information
468 KB • PDF
Public Voters List
496 KB • PDF
Candidate Withdrawal Form
266 KB • PDF
Latest videos
Communications updates
Short videos from the Communications team.
