EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY
The Stó:lō Service Agency Society is the amalgamation of eleven Stó:lō communities, with the Stó:lō Service Agency Society (SSAS) providing services to Stó:lō and Aboriginal communities in S’ólh Téméxw’.
Our core administrative area extends from Yale to Langley, BC, where we aim to ensure health and social well-being through various programs, including education, childcare, elderly care, health services, tourism, and resource management.
OUR STORIES OF TOMORROW AND TODAY
Explore the history of the Stó:lō Nation and the Stó:lō Service Agency
The Stó:lō Nation Society today evolved from organizations formed in response to the 1969 Liberal Indian Policy, known as the White Paper, which aimed to end benefits for Status Indians and assimilate Aboriginal people according to government policies. If passed, The Department of Indian Affairs (DIA) would have ceased to exist.
In the 1960s, DIA Indian Agencies became known as District Councils, and were intended to facilitate DIA benefits and services. The East Fraser District Council (EFDC) a grouping of twenty-four Stó:lō communities between Fort Langley and Yale, was formed.
The Chilliwack Area Indian Council (CAIC) was formed in 1970 when the local DIA office was closed. Initially representing 21 communities, by 1975 there were 14 member communities and Chief Richard Malloway (Yakweakwioose), Chief Sam Douglas (Cheam) and Chief Andrew Alex (Union Bar) formed the executive team. CAIC was solely concerned with the provision of services and was the first Stó:lō authority delegated to administer benefits under the DIA's health, social assistance, and education programs.
Between the early 1970s and 1994, a number of Stó:lō political and service delivery organizations grew out of the EFDC and the CAIC. These included the Stó:lō Forum, Stó:lō Nation Canada, Stó:lō Political Branch, and Stó:lō Tribal Council. As early as 1980, Chief Steven Point proposed the amalgamation of all Stó:lō service agencies.
In 1994, Stó:lō Nation Canada (SNC) and the Stó:lō Tribal Council (STC) agreed to form a single organization under Chief Steven Point's leadership. In 1995, the Stó:lō Nation submitted a Statement of Intent to the British Columbia Treaty Commission asserting their collective aboriginal rights and title, extending from the Dry Rack Fishery above Yale to the Salt Water resources of the Salish Sea. Twenty-one communities, led by Chiefs Charles Douglas, Michelle Douglas, Marilyn Gabriel, Ken Malloway, Lester Ned, Steven Point, and Bruce Sam, formed the first Board of Directors known as the Special Chiefs Council.
The Society's Constitution, signed on June 30th, 1995, outlines the purposes of the Society, including the revival of Stó:lō cultural values, self-government, and maintaining healthy Stó:lō communities, as well as supporting the growth of Stó:lō identity in children and improving public understanding of Stó:lō culture, traditions, and spirituality. The Annual Report for 1995-96 includes reports from various departments and a total budget of $18,174,722.00.
In April 1995, Shxwt'a:selhawtxw was officially opened to house the Longhouse Extension Program. The staff worked towards implementing the mission statement of creating a better world for the Stó:lō people, with milestones including: the opening of Shxwt'a:selhawtxw (Longhouse Extension Program) on April 16, 1995, and the grand opening of Government House on September 10, 1999.
In March 2001, child welfare responsibility transferred from the Ministry of Children and Families to Stó:lō Nation. The new facility for the Head Start Program and the Day Care Program was completed on 28 November 2003.
By Fiscal Year 2003-2004, SN's structure had changed significantly. Chief Executive Officer Joe Hall oversaw several programs and services, while individual directors managed Financial Services, Administrative Services, Child and Family Services, Health Services, and Community Development. Portfolio holders included Chief Lydia Archie, Councilor Ken Malloway, Chief Doug Kelly, Stó:lō Siyá:m Tyrone McNeil, and Stó:lō Yewal Siyá:m Clarence Pennier.
In 2004, the unified SN had to adjust to the withdrawal of 8 member communites, resulting in changes to its departments. Efforts were made to minimize disruption to Stó:lō community members. The Health Facility opened in 2004, with other developments occurring in subsequent years.
Following in Our Elders' Footsteps
Vision
The Stó:lō vision encompasses the social, political, economic, and cultural development of the Stó:lō, as a nation, for a healthier, stronger, brighter future for all communities.
Mission
We empower, support, and contribute to the health and well-being of all people by providing leadership and delivering a broad range of quality services.
To create a better world for our people, we, the Stó:lō House of Government, endeavor to:
- Provide high-quality services
- Practice and promote cultural values
- Protect and manage our resources; and
- Operate in a fair, honest, and respectful manner
The vision will be realized through the combined efforts among and between the SN Chiefs Council, the SN Board, and the SN Executive staff. Altogether, they will be guided by the mission statement, as adopted by the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs in 1995.
Values
We strive to act in accordance with our seven core values at all times.
HONESTY: We Communicate Internally And Externally With Clarity, Honesty, And Openness
ACCOUNTABILITY: We Accept Responsibility For Our Decisions And Actions And Answer To Our Partners In An Open And Transparent Way
PRIDE: We Feel And Demonstrate Pride In Our Actions And Accomplishments
PROFESSIONALISM: We Act Professionally As An Outward Reflection Of Our Internal Values
INTEGRITY: We Do Our Best Work, Hold Ourselves To The Highest Standards Of Conduct, And Act In The Interest Of Our Communities And Partners
EMPATHY: We Work To Understand And Relate To The Feelings, Experiences, And Situations Of Others And Are Non-Judgemental
RESPECT: We Respect Others’ Ideas, Experiences, And Ways Of Thinking And Treat All People As Equals.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP Team, COMMUNITIES, and council
Sharron Young
Sharron Young has always focused on working with First Nations people, guiding her studies at UBC. She has worked in Stó:lō Nation’s Halq’eméylem and Taxation departments, and has furthered her career in Sq'ewá:lxw First Nation. Her experience and focus is in administration and finance, making her board membership a new learning experience. Sharron attributes much of her experience to her family, to whom she is deeply grateful.
Rhianna Millman
Rhianna, raised in Chilliwack, graduated from Chilliwack Secondary School and worked for Fraser Health before joining the City of Chilliwack as Confidential Secretary to the Director of Operations. Passionate about helping others, she has supported individuals with developmental disabilities and worked in crisis situations with the Critical Incident Stress Management team. Of Métis descent, she is a strong advocate for inclusion and social capital. Rhianna lives with her partner Paul, and they care for a young man with disabilities. Excited to join the Stó:lō Service Agency Board, she continues to give back to the community.
Angela Kermer
Angela is xwélmexw from Leq’a, Nooksack, Squamish, and Haida Gwaii, carrying the Haida name Sgaan Jaad Kwahst’aang, Finning Killer Whale Woman. Her grandparents were Pat and Duke Campo, and Blanche Marks and Andrew Yorke. She has been married to Brian since 1991 and has two brothers, Lance and Paul. A Stó:lō Service Agency board member since 2011, she joined the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking board in 2023. After 25 years with the RCMP, Angela now leads her consulting company focused on truth and reconciliation. She also teaches at the Justice Institute of BC in sociology and Indigenous law.
Jessie N. Ramsay
Jessie Ramsay, a Métis from Chilliwack, BC, graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and First Nations studies. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctorate Degree from Allard School of Law in 2014 and joined Baker Newby LLP as a lawyer, becoming a partner in July 2019. Dedicated to helping her community, she serves on the Boards of Directors for Stó:lō Community Futures and Chilliwack Community Services, and is now joining the Stó:lō Service Agency Board of Directors. Family is a priority for Jessie, leading her to return to Chilliwack and enjoy outdoor activities in her spare time.
Derek Hansom
Derek, a member of Skowkale First Nation, has extensive experience in community and social development, including health and First Nations leadership. His professional background includes roles at the BC Regional Chief on Economic Development, Simon Fraser University, BC Assembly of First Nations, and various other leadership positions. He holds a Masters of Business Degree in Aboriginal Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University and completed the Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities Executive Program (2019) through the Harvard School of Business.
Anna Celesta
Anna Celesta, Simpcw First Nation member, specializes in First Nations contract funding, administration, HR, & employment/training programs. With extensive experience, including 13 years as Director of Stó:lō Aboriginal Skills & Employment Training, she now advises for First Nations Health Authority/Fraser Health & Indigenous Recruitment & Retention Committee. Family-oriented, she finds joy in her son, daughter-in-law, & grandchildren's adventurous outlook on life.
Aitchelitz First Nation
PO Box 2130
Chilliwack, BC V2R 1A5
Angie Bailey
Leona Sam
Chief Angie Bailey
Leq'á:mel First Nation
43101 Leq'á:mel Way
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0
Alice Thompson
Camielle Laslo
Barb Leggat
Sandy McDonald
Darrel McKamey
Phil Sherwood
Dawn Styran
Peter Pynacker, CPACA
Marjorie Sonnenberg
Matsqui First Nation
5720 Julian Drive
PO Box 10
Matsqui, BC V4X 3R2
Alice McKay
Brenda Morgan
Ryan Bird
Chief Alice McKay
Cynthia Collins
Haley Cole
Gary Talbot
Garry Silver
Stan Morgan
Skowkale First Nation
7256 Chilliwack River Road,
Chilliwack, B.C V2R 4L9
Mark Point
Teressa Galis
Willy Hall
Darcy Paul
Tiffany Silver
Jen Archie
Stacey McNeil
Shxwhá:y Village
44680 Schweyey Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M5
Robert Gladstone
Ron Migual
Shawna Williams
Michelle Roberts
Bonnie Russell
Shawna Williams
Robert Gladstone
Squiala First Nation
45005 Squiala Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2P 7Z9
David Jimmie
Alvin Jimmie
Shannon Williams
Lauren Wilde
Sumas First Nation
2788 Sumas Mtn. Rd.
Abbotsford, BC V3G 2J2
Dalton Silver
Troy Ganzeveled
Chris Silver
Clint Tuttle
Brian Jones
Barbara Silver
Tzeachten First Nation
Unit 29 - 6014 Vedder Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M4
Derek Epp
Jennifer Janik
Hayden Guilderson
Tony Malloway
Loren Muth
Kathy Malloway
Yakweakwioose First Nation
7256 Chilliwack River Road,
Chilliwack, B.C V2R 4L9
Terry Horne
Jazmine Horne
Nicole LaRock
Elaine Malloway
Jazmine Horne
Skawahlook First Nation
58611A - Lougheed Hwy
Agassiz, BC V0M 1A2
Maureen Chapman
Debra Schneider
Jenn Carman
Sharron Young
Michael Suedfeld
Popkum First Nation
54951 Julseth Rd.
Popkum, BC V0X 1X1
James Murphy
Cynthia Murphy
Brandon Murphy
Aitchelitz First Nation
PO Box 2130
Chilliwack, BC V2R 1A5
Angie Bailey
Leona Sam
Chief Angie Bailey
Leq'á:mel First Nation
43101 Leq'á:mel Way
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0
Alice Thompson
Camielle Laslo
Barb Leggat
Sandy McDonald
Darrel McKamey
Phil Sherwood
Dawn Styran
Peter Pynacker, CPACA
Marjorie Sonnenberg
Matsqui First Nation
5720 Julian Drive
PO Box 10
Matsqui, BC V4X 3R2
Alice McKay
Brenda Morgan
Ryan Bird
Chief Alice McKay
Cynthia Collins
Haley Cole
Gary Talbot
Garry Silver
Stan Morgan
Skowkale First Nation
7256 Chilliwack River Road,
Chilliwack, B.C V2R 4L9
Mark Point
Teressa Galis
Willy Hall
Darcy Paul
Tiffany Silver
Jen Archie
Stacey McNeil
Shxwhá:y Village
44680 Schweyey Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M5
Robert Gladstone
Ron Migual
Shawna Williams
Michelle Roberts
Bonnie Russell
Shawna Williams
Robert Gladstone
Squiala First Nation
45005 Squiala Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2P 7Z9
David Jimmie
Alvin Jimmie
Shannon Williams
Lauren Wilde
Sumas First Nation
2788 Sumas Mtn. Rd.
Abbotsford, BC V3G 2J2
Dalton Silver
Troy Ganzeveled
Chris Silver
Clint Tuttle
Brian Jones
Barbara Silver
Tzeachten First Nation
Unit 29 - 6014 Vedder Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M4
Derek Epp
Jennifer Janik
Hayden Guilderson
Tony Malloway
Loren Muth
Kathy Malloway
Yakweakwioose First Nation
7256 Chilliwack River Road,
Chilliwack, B.C V2R 4L9
Terry Horne
Jazmine Horne
Nicole LaRock
Elaine Malloway
Jazmine Horne
STÓ:LŌ SERVICE AGENCY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Stó:lō Service Agency Society (SSAS)
Áthelets • Leq’á:mel • Sq’ewá:lxw • Sq’ewqéyl • Yeqwyeqwí:ws • Ch’iyáqtel Máthxwi • Pópkw’em • Semá:th • Shxwhá:y • Sxwoyehà:là
Stó:lō Service Agency (SSA) Board
Sharron Young (Chair), Rhianna Millman (Vice-Chair)
Angela Kermer • Jessie Ramsay • Anna Celesta • Derek Hansom
Office Of The Executive Director (OED)
Executive Director - Willy Hall • Executive Assistant - Kelly Willmets
Administrative Support (SNCC) - Abby Duncan
Finance
Director - Eric Sather
- Finance Services
- Phone / Copier Administration
- Gift Shop
- K-12 / Post-Secondary / Tuitions
Operations
Director - Sharlene Charlton
- Indian Registry Administration
- Central Administrative Services
- Events / Communications
- Records Management
- Vehicle Administration
- Mail Delivery
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Property & Capital Management
Health Services (HS)
Director - Kelowa Edel
Associate Directors - Lauralee Campbell, Sue Griffin
- Primary Care
- Administration / Operations
- Home & Community Care
- À:lmèlhàwtxw Early Education Centre
- Family Empowerment
- Youth Services
- Wellness Services
- Family Services - Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) / Aboriginal Infant Development (AID) Programs, Aboriginal Family Place (Mission)
- Dental Clinic
- Stó:lō Elders Lodge (SEL)
Stó:lō Aboriginal Skills & Employment Training (SASET)
Manager - Carol Raspberry
- Community Employment Training Programs & Daycare Centres
- Vocational Trades Supports & Programming
- Employment / Outreach Services
- Client Employment Counselling & Required Skills Support
- Culinary Arts
- Income Assistance
Stó:lō Research & Resource Management Centre (SRRMC)
Director - Dave Schaepe
- Administration
- Guardians
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Geomatics
- Heritage Stewardship & Archaeology
- People of the River Referrals Office (PRRO)
- S’olh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (STSA)
- Stó:lō Strategic Engagement Agreement (SSEA) Support Services
- Environmental Stewardship & Research
- Sqwélqwel Stewardship & Research
- Stó:lō Library & Archives
- Cultural Education - Longhouse Education Program (LEP), Steqo’ye, Curriculum, Tours / Tourism
- Stó:lō Shxweli (Language)
SSA's 11 First Nation Member Communities
Careers
CAREERS AT STÓ:LŌ SERVICE AGENCY
Find and apply for open positions within the Stó:lō Service Agency on our job board. For more opportunities, head to our careers page.