Chief and Council

Portfolio: TRS, Government-to-Government Relations, BC Hydro, Provincial Parks, Elections, Fisheries and Watershed, Forestry, FAL, Economic Development, Governance, Restorative Justice, Title and Rights

Kúkpi7 Dianne Francois is the first female Chief of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw. Born and raised on Secwépemc territory, she brings decades of connection to this community as a former councillor, a long-term employee of the Nation, and a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose roots run deep here.

Her focus is on inclusive governance that listens to every voice and acts on it. She believes the Nation must move forward with a community-endorsed plan, built by the people, for the people, one that reflects Skwlāx values and guides how the Nation protects its lands, raises its children, supports its Elders, strengthens its economy, and preserves its language and culture.

Portfolio: Education, Housing, BC Hydro and Provincial Parks, Membership, IT and Communications, Recreation, FAL, Economic Development, Governance, TRS-External

Tk̓wemíple7tn Julie John holds a Master’s degree in Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Tourism degree with a major in marketing from Thompson Rivers University. She has served as a board member with Cooperatives First, an organization that helps Indigenous communities establish businesses using the cooperative model.

She is a mother of three and grandmother to one. Her priority is bringing members together, supporting one another, building on shared strengths, and creating real pathways for Skwlāx members to succeed in business and in community life.

Portfolio: Wellness, Culture, Language, Social Development, Daycare, Finance, Elections, Lands and Leases, Emergency Management, FAL, TRS-Internal, Economic Development, Governance, TRS-External

Tk̓wemíple7tn Dawn Francois holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is a certified First Nations Tax Administrator. She continues to deepen her Secwépemc cultural knowledge, including language learning and ceremony.

Her priorities include economic independence for Skwlāx members, jurisdiction over the Nation’s children, and ongoing support for community health and wellness. She approaches this work with a multi-pronged lens that includes the people, the land, the water, and the animals.