Elections

Taylor Behn-Tsakoza is of Eh Cho Dene and Dunne Zaa ancestry. Her Nations are signatories to Treaty 8 and their traditional territories cover modern day Northeast BC. Growing up in the North, Taylor experienced and witnessed the obstacles that people in rural and remote communities face and she has worked to bring those stories and experiences to leaders at all levels. Culture, education and sports has kept Taylor focused on breaking harmful intergenerational cycles and she is passionate about creating a future that First Nations youth want and deserve. Being a Dene handgames enthusiast, beginner dry meat maker and beader, Taylor knows the importance of learning and carrying on culture and traditions. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and has taken her education abroad to Australia and Hawai’i where she studied International Indigenous Studies which has broadened her understanding of how our resilience and perseverance as Indigenous people globally has helped shape our world. Representing BC at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in 2013 and 2014 has set the premise for Taylor representing our province in a good way.

Working with Indigenous youth in the fields of health, recreation and life promotion for the last several years, Taylor ensures that culture, language and community-connection are the foundation for every program and initiatives she is a part of. Advocating and speaking at events across the province and country allowed Taylor to voice her concerns and share her ideas that have advanced First Nations youth capacity to be leaders in their communities and beyond. She also brings with her governance experience by sitting on boards and committees such as the board of directors for the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, and is currently an Executive Member of the Indigenous Graduate Students Association at the University of Alberta and a member of the Life Promotion for All My Relations Youth Advisory Committee at First Nations Health Authority.

Coming to the BCAFN, Taylor brings both excitement and willingness to learn about Indigenous governance and policy. Building on her previous experience of working with community and youth, she hopes to engage youth all over BC to get involved in politics and learn more about the work currently being done. Taylor works to serve First Nations people and is honoured to hold this position as Female Youth Representative.

Brooklyn Haizimsque is Nisga’a and Wet’suwet’en ancestry, born in Vanderhoof, BC and raised in the Wet’suwet’en territory. 

Her parents are Craig and Shannon Haizimsque of Burns Lake, BC. Her paternal grandparents are Pansy Haizimsque and the late Chester Haizimsque from the Nisga’a territory and her maternal grandparents are Ruby Ogen and Jerry William Sr. of the Wet’suwet’en and Witset territory. 

Brooklyn is from the Gitimden clan and a proud member of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation she proudly holds her Nisga’a Name Nox Guxw-jap which means she likes to keep busy and be active. 

Brooklyn is one of the youngest role models in the community of Wet’suwet’en First Nation. She has a background in sports and a love for sewing and baking. 

At the age of 16 years old, Brooklyn has participated in her own business related to catering desserts. She has been hired by multiple Indigenous organizations and companies. She thoroughly enjoys her creative side, as she has made quilts and ribbon skirts. She received a excellence in textiles in Grade 10, due to her love for creating things. 

Brooklyn began sewing in grade 8 when she made quilts, pillows, and items of clothing and as she gained more experience, she also developed a passion for more. 

Brooklyn started baking at the age of 2 years old, by helping her Mom and she enjoyed making baked products and helping her Mom to clean after it was all done. 

Brooklyn is an honour roll student from Grade 8 to Grade 10 at Lakes District Secondary School in Burns Lake, BC. At the Awards Day at Wet’suwet’en First Nation in July 2023, she received awards such as Academic Achievement, Most Sportsmanlike and Best Attendance. Brooklyn’s future goals are to open up a Bakery and to become a clothing designer. 

Brooklyn comes from generations of leadership in her family. She remembers her late Great Grandmother Nagwa’on, Sophie Ogen, who served for decades as a Hereditary Chief and an elected Chief of Wet’suwet’en First Nation. Brooklyn aspires to take after her great grandmother and it is her strong leadership that inspired Brooklyn to pursue the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Female Youth Representative. 

Brooklyn also aspires to create change in her community by participating in a Youth leadership role. She considers it to be very important to gain more knowledge, experience and to be exposed to other Indigenous cultures. Being aware, learning and education are important to Brooklyn and it is her intent to gain a better understanding of the issues facing Indigenous people in British Columbia and Canada. 

Crystal Lewis is an actively involved community member that lives by the sayings “Be the change you want to see, lead by example and take action.” Crystal comes from Vancouver and the Squamish Nation (Swxwú7mesh Úxwumixw). Her biological mother is the late Elizabeth Lewis and her foster mother is Elaine Moody (did not have a father figure growing up). Before the age of 2, she was moved from several different foster homes before being placed into permanent foster care. As a child she remembers feeling unloved, abandoned and confused, and couldn’t understand why her parents didn͛ t want her; only to realize that intuitively, change had to start with her, and that she never wanted her future children to go through the same painful experiences as she went through. At the age of 6, she decided to dedicate her life to being drug and alcohol free and a leader. 

Crystal held onto that vision, and continued to learn, unlearn and grow; continuously challenging herself. She strongly believes that, “You can’t wait for others to make changes for you, you, yourself have to be a changemaker.” By leading through example, Crystal has gained a lifetime of achievements and experiences; creating change on a provincial, national and international scale. Crystal is a recognized mover and shaker within her community, who started out as a youth volunteer, and who participated in various youth opportunities, learning about her culture, community, canoe pulling (for 10 years), and more. In doing so, she established a deep rooted connection to the land and to her community (the Squamish Valley); carrying the love and support, and teachings of her community, everywhere she goes. One teaching that Crystal holds onto dearly is that, “No matter where you go, you always represent your family, and community.” 

When Crystal turned 16, she started living on her own; finding her voice, and challenging the status quo. By learning to speak her truth, and embracing her vulnerabilities, she continues to advocate for climate action, reconciliation, social justice, youth in care and more. At the ages of 19 and 24, she ran in two Squamish Nation Council elections, focusing her campaign on sustainability, wellness, transparency and sustainable housing; encouraging more youth to run. That same year she was asked by the North Vancouver NDP to run in the 2019 Federal Election, respectfully declining due to the recent passing of her mother, sister and uncle all within the same year. 

Not long after, Crystal was selected as 1 out of 5 across Canada to work on Parliament Hill, Ottawa; working with MP, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq; and consulting on GreenPAC’s new Indigenous Youth Parliamentary Internship Stream; creating a safer space for youth. From there on, she went on to create Canada͛ s First Ever Youth Policy, bringing youth voices to the table, and facilitating policy roundtable discussions; working with the Prime Minister͛s Youth Council. To this day she continues to advocate and be actively involved in youth opportunities, spaces, policy work and more (We Matter, BCAFN Youth Forums, Boards, Advisory Committees, etc.). Crystal also worked at Burnaby Mountain’s Watch House, in an attempt to stop the Pipeline. After facing discrimination and harassment, at a former institution, Crystal learned to speak up on injustices; advocating for decolonial practices and cultural safety. Despite her experiences, Crystal went on to learn her language at SFU, earning over 30+ awards and certificates, over the years, and a diverse educational background. In doing so, she created two asset based community development projects (utilizing the strengths, gifts and resources within her community), through engagement and consultation (ie. stop human trafficking and land based learning). On behalf of UNA-Canada, she was nominated as a Peer Leader and Peace Builder in creating policy recommendations for the UNSCR 2250, for international peace and security. She also worked in BC Provincial Government and real estate; being offered a position within the Federal Government, next year. Like many, she aspires to leave the world a better place by giving back to the community, breaking down intergenerational cycles and intersectional barriers. And more importantly, she has her community and family to thank for all that they have taught her (including her obstacles and challenges), for inspiring her to be who she is today.

Kyle is from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation and is a member of the Penticton Indian Band in Southern British Columbia. Kyle also served for a short time on council for the Penticton Indian Band, Kyle grew up in the Indigenous planning world and specializes in facilitating enowkinwixw process for decision-making and planning. He has experience working through strategy sessions in governance and community planning, facilitation and co-facilitation of workshops dealing with multigenerational trauma, healing, goal-setting and visioning, and event coordination. Kyle has spent the last year working for Naqsmist Storytellers, moving towards decolonizing and restructuring systems based on traditional knowledge and love based practices. He has been serving as the interim BCAFN Male Youth Rep since March of 2023 and has been heavily focused on climate change work provincially. 

 Brian Assu Sr. previously served as an elected board member of the BC Assembly of First Nations. He served as an elected Chief of the We Wai Kai Nation for 5 years and as an elected Councillor for 30 years. During his time as Chief of the We Wai Kai Nation, the Nation grew and became fully integrated into regional economy and progressively brought law making authority and governance home to the Nation’s membership. 

Brian has served on numerous Boards and Commissions throughout his career including 23 years on the Fraser Panel, 5 of which he served as the appointed Canadian Commissioner on the Pacific Salmon Commission. He was appointed to BC Hydro’s Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program in 2002 and served as Chair for 15 years. He has Chaired the very progressive A-Tlegay Fisheries Society since 1999 and was on the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society from 1996 until 2021. 

Brian believes that strong Nations are created at home; however, there is an important role for organizations like the BCAFN to make sure the tide lifts all boats. 

On a personal level, Brian remains an active commercial fisher with the Mary Isle, a seine boat he presently co-owns with his three brothers, and formerly with his own seine boat the Western Brave which he sold in 2020 which was an Area 13 contract test fishing vessel since 1995. He is an avid foodie and along with his wife owns a Private Chef Catering Service, primarily indigenous staffed, serving fine dining meals to residents of Campbell River and various parts of Vancouver Island. He grew up in the Cape Mudge village on Quadra Island and now resides in Campbell River with his wife of 8 years and is an actively involved loving father to their 3 young children. 

 TKWELÉSQ̓T TE NÚXWENXW, “GOLDEN DAY WOMAN” – NEEPULUTULTH, “PILLAR OF HER COMMUNITY” 

It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to seek re-election for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Board of Directors. I belong to one of the 17 campfires within Secwepemcúl̓ ecw and am a proud Kúkpi7/Chief, Mother, Key7e- Grandmother, Wife, and Role Model. I am a strong confident woman leading by example. I am also the elected Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) representing nine first nation communities within Secwepemcúl̓ecw. 

In the last three years, I have been honored to be supporting and overseeing the BCAFN’s initiatives, as set by the Regional Chief, along with the Board of Directors and the amazing staff as directed by resolutions of the member First Nation Communities. I would be honored to continue in the role as a board of director with the BCAFN and support the important work done by this organization. 

Professional and Academic Achievements: 

• 2022 Order of BC, in recognition of persons who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled to endeavor benefiting the people of British Columbia and beyond.
• 2022 BC Reconciliation Award in partnership with the CoK from the Province of BC.
• 2022 CAMA Collaboration Award in partnership with the CoK for Building Relationships Towards Reconciliation from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.
• 2022 Recipient of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) President’s Award
• 2022 Platinum Jubilee Recipient in recognition of contributions to communities.
• 2022 Indigenous Affairs #6 in the Power List of Maclean’s Magazine, one of “50 Canadians forging paths, leading debates, and shaping how we think and live”.
• Seven Generations Institute for Training and Development, RLTC.
• Certificate and a Diploma in Business Administration, Okanagan University.
• Certificates in Negotiation Skills Training, Banff Leadership Development Center.
• Certificate for On Reserve Matrimonial Real Property Training.
• Three (3) Business Excellence and First Nation’s Women in Business Awards as a Wrap Artist, WrapZone.
• Graduate of the Home Support and Long-Term Care Aide Program.
• Choices Leadership Training.
• Cultural Secwepemc Songs and Dances.
• Housing Manager, The Kekuli Center, for Youth at Risk.
• Recipient of a 2001 International Year of Volunteers Certificate from Canada Revenue Agency as a Canadian Volunteer from Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada.
• Volunteer in the World Fusion of Wearable Art Fashion Show 2017 as a model to raise money and awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, hosted in Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc. 

I lift my hands up and acknowledge all who have participated in the past and the current Board of Directors for the BCAFN and all those who put their names forward for consideration. For me, this would be an incredibly valuable experience to continue being part of the BCAFN team, serving a second term as a Board of Director and supporting our BC Regional Chief.

Maureen Luggi is from the Bear Clan (Gitdemden) of the House of Spoax. She is of Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en & Stellat’en ancestry & was born and raised in Burns Lake, BC. She is a Mother of 3 Adult Children and 4 Grandchildren. She is a member of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation & was the elected Chief of her community from 1987-2007 before being elected back into office in 2019. Chief Luggi was re-elected again in May 2022 as Chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation based on a three-year term. 

Education 

• Currently enrolled in Indigenous Business Leadership, Executive MBA, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University
• Indigenous Focused Oriented Therapy, Northern Society for Domestic Peace 
• Certificate in Public Relations, Simon Fraser University 
• Certificate in Administration of Aboriginal Governments, University of Victoria 
• Certified in Conflict Resolution & First Nations Negotiations Skills, Justice Institute of BC 
• Certified in Expanded Emotional Intelligence & The Art & Science of Coaching, Erickson International 
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner & Master Practitioner, Erickson International 

Professional Service and Experience
Over 35 years of experience working with Indigenous & non-Indigenous communities, companies and non-profit organizations

Current Service: 

• Director, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Society 
• Member, Carrier Sekani Family Services Child & Family Chief’s Steering Committee 
• Member, RCMP Indigenous Advisory Committee 
• Member, Public Relations Advisory Committee, Simon Fraser University 
• Member, Indigenous Community Development & Governance Program Advisory Committee, University of Victoria 

Past Service: 

• BC Assembly of First Nations Governance Committee 
• Burns Lake ComFor Management Services Ltd | Lakes Communications Inc. 
• Burns Lake Native Development Corporation | Burns Lake Native Logging Ltd 
• Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association 
• Carrier Sekani Family Services 
• Burns Lake Yinkadinee Keyakh Law Center Society 
• Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Society – Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Policy & Operations Committee, Administration Committee, Capital Portfolio, Economic Development Committee and Executive Committee 
• Babine Forest Products | Burns Lake Specialty Woods |Decker Lake Forest Products 

Project Management and Event Planning:

• Management, executive coordination, leadership, facilitation and proposal writing
• Established Indigenous Housing First Homelessness Program, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association
• Established Lheidli T’enneh Pavilion at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Prince George 

Governance and Administration

• General Manager of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation
• Budget development & financial management, Report writing, Program Implementation 
• Community consultation, engagement & collaboration 
• Governance policy development and implementation 
• Chairing meetings, committees, working groups and guiding teams 

Treaty Negotiations:

• Treaty Negotiator, Wet’suwet’en First Nation 
• Communications Coordinator, Lheidli T’enneh Treaty Office 

Personal 

Keen interest in reading, writing, communications, politics, Sun Run leadership, Compassionate Inquiry with Dr Gabor Mate. 

Terry Teegee has been the elected Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) for the past six years and proudly serves his second term in this position. Terry’s ancestry is Dakelh, Gitxsan and Sekani descent and is a member of Takla Nation. As a former Registered Professional Forester, Terry was responsible for looking after the forests, forest lands and forest resources. Terry is deeply involved in natural resources management, including improving the laws, regulations and policies for this and other sectors impacting First Nations in BC. As Regional Chief, he was an instrumental voice in the development and historic passing of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and the federal UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDA). 

Terry’s strong leadership, both provincially and nationally, was vital on the following portfolios and issues: 

• Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Chair on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Committee
• Co-Chair of the AFN National Fisheries Committee
• Co-Lead on the AFN Justice and Policing Portfolio
• Co-Chair for the Champions Table with BC Business Council
• Tripartite Working Group (TWG) member to implement Bill C-92, Indigenous Child Welfare Jurisdiction Bill to implement the Commitment Document Provincially
• AFN Representative on the UN Convention of Biodiversity
• Member of the BC First Nation Gaming Commission 

Terry is known for his caring and collaborative leadership. He worked to unify and support people working together towards the recognition of our inherent rights and Title, Treaty Rights and Human Rights as Indigenous Peoples. Terry is an experienced diplomat, taking guidance and direction from Chiefs in BC. He is familiar with the AFN and has worked with Chiefs across Canada to advocate for protecting and enhancing First Nations inherent and treaty rights. Terry has met with various leaders at all levels including the Pope during his visit to Canada in 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau, federal ministers, provincial ministers and foreign dignitaries including ministers, ambassadors, and indigenous leaders from around the world. 

Before becoming the Regional Chief, Terry was the elected Tribal Chief of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) from 2012-2017 and CSTC Vice Tribal Chief from 2009-2012. In addition, Terry held forestry and natural resources roles with the CSTC and Takla Nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management (Forestry) from UNBC and also earned a Natural Resources Technology Diploma from the College of New Caledonia. 

Terry is a passionate leader with over 20 years of political experience in working with First Nations in BC, Canada and internationally. 

Terry and his wife Rena Zatorski have been married for 20 years and have two children, Rylie and Rowan. They reside on Lheidli T’enneh Shelley Reserve, 22 km up the Fraser River from Prince George.