Chief & Council

Seabird Island is governed by an elected Chief and a eight person Council that share the responsibility of representing the organization at all government levels as well as to other groups, ensuring a strong united voice for Seabird Island locally, provincially and nationally, with specific emphasis and involvement with Stō:ló Tribal Council, First Nation Summit and the Assembly of First Nations.

Over the past 140 years, the Seabird Island Band has grown tremendously to create a strengthened community for our First Nation people. Our Directors, with the support of our leadership, have implemented several initiatives that brought about social change. The changes have helped the Seabird Island Band in its metamorphosis from a small First Nation Band into a successful, prominent organization.

The Seabird Island Band has always had a simple but profound purpose, to walk hand-in-hand with our people and with our partner Bands to confront the social and economic challenges that First Nations people are faced with. We work to create opportunities for economic growth by encouraging First Nations entrepreneurs and by supporting our Band Members as they complete their education goals both on and off-reserve. We strive to improve the health and well-being of our people, starting at birth and lasting throughout life.

The Seabird Island Band’s journey is still ongoing. The return to self-government is fundamental to Nation building. Through managing the administration of our land, resources and related programs and policies, as our ancestors once did, we will build a stronger, healthier community and empower future generations.

Chief & Council Communal Oath of Office
Apr 23, 2020

In the past I was a Council Member for 18 years from 1999 till 2017 when the new election code came into place. For a number of those years I was part of the Council’s executive committee.

I would also like to keep up the work with all levels of non First Nation governments. This needs to be done to have and keep good relations with them. We need to make sure these governments include all the surrounding First Nations councils and their membership.

Hello Seabird Island Members,

Most of you know me but all may not know I’m back on Council as of September 4, 2021.   Janice Parsey has taken a job with Seabird Island Band which left me a spot on Chief and Council to fill.   I’m very flattered to be back and will work hard at serving my community for the remaining time of this Council term.

The past two years has been tough on all of us, but I am very proud how we all pulled together as community to make do of the covid 19 situation.  There has been a lot of changes to our world, and no one knows who the real blame lays upon but side from that fact as human nature would have it, we all did the best we could and will learn for future challenges alike.  My deepest condolences to people who lost family members in the last couple years due to several different incidents.

For now, I will continue to pray and help where needed that these trials will keep improving day by day.  Only way we all can make it work is by keeping ourselves and families safe with the opportunities that are given to us.

Experiences within my family has led us to go by rules made by our health leaders.  I wish you all the best for your family and your future health.  We can make it work!

Éy Swayél, from Siyolwelh.  Her given name is Marcie Peters.

Marcie’s mother Stella Garner and Grandmother, Annie Garner were from Union Bar First Nation. She was raised by Tiny and Henry Pettis.

Marcie is a survivor of the St. Mary’s Residential School.

In her time on Council, she has brought to the table her experience and knowledge on housing matters, property management, and capital projects. Marcie is a Community Member who likes being involved with families helping in any way she can. She has been fortunate to have had cultural teachers in the community who taught her our protocols and traditional ways. This is ongoing learning.

In her free time Marcie goes to her ancestral home, wind drying and canning fish. Also, she takes pride in working in her yard and flower garden.

I respectfully step into the position of Councilor after Mathew Point has resigned his position to go onto future ventures. I wish him the best of luck and prosperity. I look forward to serving the community and working with the other Council Members to further advance Seabird Islands growth.

James Bobb, Seabird Island Council member was raised on Seabird, and has lived here most of his life. He has a wife Sandra of 29 years and two grown boys Trevor and Derek. James graduated high school in Agassiz in 1992. He attended a self-employment program with Community Futures where he received a certificate in self-employment. For five years James and Sandra owned, and operated Diamond Printers located on Seabird Island. James has spent most of his career in the construction industry framing and is currently working at Natco in Chilliwack. He enjoys listening to music, watching sci-fi movies and being with his family.