Representatives

Łučinłc̓uta (Mariah Charleson), a proud member of the Hesquiaht First Nation, is a dedicated leader and advocate for First Nations in British Columbia. Raised on the rural and remote Hesquiaht reserve of Hot Springs Cove on Vancouver Island, her deep connection to her ancestral land’s fuels her commitment to community well-being. Mariah’s journey in leadership began when she was first elected as vice-president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, later she was appointed as the Nuu-chah-nulth representative on the First Nations Health Council by Nuu-chah-nulth leaders, where she passionately strives to advance First Nations health and prosperity. She is currently the elected Chief Councillor of Hesquiaht First Nation.

Mariah’s experience as a teacher and vice president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council positions her as a respected advocate. She extends her influence beyond local communities, sharing insights with provincial ministries and institutions. Mariah’s unwavering dedication to addressing historical traumas, such as the legacy of residential schools, drives her work in improving healthcare systems for Indigenous peoples. Alongside her professional pursuits, she finds joy in sports and embraces life with resilience and gratitude. As the Nuu-chah-nulth representative on the First Nation Health Council, Mariah continues to champion positive change, advocating for the health, dignity and empowerment of Indigenous peoples throughout British Columbia.

Loren Muth, a Councillor for the Ch’iyaqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation in the Fraser Salish region, was elected to the FNHC in October 2023. Loren has lived on the Ch’iyaqtel reserve since he was eight and has witnessed the evolving environment on and off the reserve. His global travels with his family instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world and its interconnectedness.

Loren holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Physical Geography and a certificate in Berry Production. His passion for agriculture and food production led him to become a Professional Agrologist. Loren is dedicated to promoting food security, environmental security, and holistic health, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, exercise, and a strong connection to nature for overall wellbeing.

Cliff Atleo (Wickaninnish) has been part of the FNHC since 2009, and now serves as its Elder Advisor. Born and raised in Ahousaht, he went to day school until grade four and Alberni Indian Residential School at age 10 for nine years.

In 1978, he began working for the Native Brotherhood of BC and served as its executive director for six years where he negotiated salmon and herring contracts with the Fisheries Association of BC. Cliff was appointed to the Pacific Salmon Commission, Salmon Enhancement Board, Pacific Area Regional Council and the International Halibut Commission.
He was Board member and president of the Nesika Lodge Society which provides support to young Indigenous women in Vancouver. He also served as President of an Aboriginal Business Association and Native Peoples Credit Union. He has represented Ahousaht as negotiator for the forestry conflict in Clayoquot Sound and continues his work as advisor for Ahousaht’s reconciliation talks with BC and Canada and as lead negotiator in the fight to re-establish a way of life of harvesting and commercially selling aquatic resources.

Chief John Powell, a distinguished leader from the Kwakwaka’wakw region, serves as Chief Councilor for his community, the Mamalilikulla First Nation. In November 2022, he was elected to the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), where he is dedicated to fostering health and wellness among First Nations communities. John’s extensive leadership experience includes roles as Chair and Acting Administrator for the Kwakiutal District Council, past Chair for the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, as well as for the Native Court Workers and Counseling Association. He has also worked on addressing systemic racism in BC health care as a Task Team Member for the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care report released in November 2020 and continues to serve as Chair for the First Nations Education Council for School District No. 85.

In addition, his passion for genealogy and design has led him to notable projects such as the Design Coordinator for the 2010 Olympics opening ceremonies and working with the Vancouver Opera Society on the Native production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in 2013 and its remounting in 2017. John resides on Vancouver Island at the K’omoks Reserve, where he enjoys life, work, and community engagement.

Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas (Laxele’wuts’aat) is the hereditary Chief of Lyackson. Her Grandfather was hereditary Chief, Thee-o-letza, Clifford Thomas from Lyackson; her Grandmother was Joyce Moody from Squamish Nation; her great-grandmother was Mary Albany from Songhees Nation, and her great-grandfather was George Moody, a Hereditary Chief Squamish Nation. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science (2001) and a master’s degree in Indigenous Governance (2008), both from the University of Victoria, and is in the Final year of her Doctor of Social Science from Royal Roads University.

Shana served eight years as an elected council member for the Lyackson First Nation (2002-14). She was elected by the Coast Salish Chiefs of Vancouver Island to be the Coast Salish representative to the First Nations Health Council (2010-12) and, as such, was part of the negotiating team that transferred the Pacific Region Health Canada to the First Nations Health Authority, the first of its kind in Canada. She was elected by the Chiefs of the First Nations Summit as Treaty Commissioner to the BC Treaty Commission (2009-11), where she facilitated tripartite treaty negotiations. Shana worked for the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group (2001-07) in the capacity of Communications Director, then Senior Negotiations Support.  Shana worked with Chief Judith Sayers and was a Negotiator for Hupacasath First Nation (2007-09). She was retained as a Sessional Instructor, teaching First Nations issues at Vancouver Island University, the University of Victoria and Camosun College (2008-15).

Shana started consulting in 2009, and as a consultant, she has had the privilege of working with various First Nations and First Nation’s Organizations from across BC and Canada.

Huy’wu’qw Thomas is presently serving her first term as an elected member of the FNS Political Executive (2025-2028), and also serves on the First Nation Leadership Council (FNLC). The First Nation Summit is mandated to carry out specific tasks related to treaty negotiations and advocating for other issues of common concern and as mandated by First Nations in British Columbia.

Shana is a mother of two and grandmother of four.

Bev Lambert is a Cree from Saulteau First Nations in Moberly Lake, BC. She is the elected FNHC representative for Northeastern BC as selected by the Chiefs of the Treaty 8 Tribal area. Bev has more than 33 years of experience working in community-based programming for First Nations communities in such roles as Band Social Worker, Housing Manager, NNADAP Worker, Education & Cultural Coordinator and Health Director. Bev comes from a strong traditional background and draws much of her wisdom and strength from the matriarchs who came before her.

Tracey Woods, traditionally known as Gwilxs Waax (‘paddle back to your roots’) is from Wilps Gyetem Galdoo/Skii km Lax Ha of the Lax See’l clan. Born and raised in the North, she continues to call Gitanmaax home.  Chief Woods has served on the Gitanmaax Band Council for six terms and is in her second term as elected Chief Councillor. As a strong community leader, she has held positions on the Gitksan Government Commission Board of Directors and the Gitanmaax Development Corporation Board of Directors. Chief Woods’ strength in community leadership is supported by 25 years of experience in administration and education. As an engaged leader, Chief Woods is driven by a desire to meaningfully address community needs.

Ko’waintco Michel is a member of the Nooaitch community, part of the Nlaka’pamux Nation (NLX). She represents the Nation at the Interior Region Nation Executive and Partnership Accord Leadership Table, where she brings forward priorities and direction from the Chiefs and leaders. Ko’waintco is a strong believer in practicing her culture and traditions and teaches NLX culture within School District #58. For more than 30 years, Ko’waintco has served in several elected political roles, including: Nooaitch community Chief (12 years), Assembly First Nations Regional Chief (2 years), NTA Chair (3 years), NTA Fisheries Political Rep (4.5 years). For more than 10 years, she has been the Nlaka’pamux Nation health governance representative, as elected by the NLX Chiefs.

Allan Louis is a proud member of the Okanagan Indian Band. During his eight terms as a Band Councilor, he has focused on ideas and initiatives that benefit the membership.
He currently sits on the Interior Health Authority Board of Directors and works with local, provincial and federal governments to develop innovative ways of delivering health services. He also served two terms as the Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Education Committee for School District 22. Allan and his wife have a blended family of four children and five grandchildren; he lives on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve near Armstrong BC.

Alisha Peters, a Councillor for the Skwah First Nation in the Fraser Salish region, is committed to advocating for equitable treatment and services within the health system to promote healthier communities for present and future generations. Elected to the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) in 2024, Alisha looks forward to collaborating with the other FNHC representatives, building on the work of past generations and ancestors.

Currently, Alisha works as a project coordinator for Qwí:qwelstóm Justice, focusing on responding to sexual violence in Indigenous communities in S’ólh Téméxw. Her extensive experience includes over 15 years working for Stó:lō communities, 12 years in the criminal justice field, and 8 years as a researcher for various institutions. Alisha also has in-depth experience in proposal writing, policy development, and executive administration. She holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Social Services Diploma – Indigenous Option from the University of Fraser Valley. Alisha’s dream is to continue asserting Snowoyelh (natural law) in interactions with colonial systems to improve the socio-economic, cultural, and health well-being of her community, ensuring a high standard of health services for all. It’s important to have an education, and it’s equally important to remember our S’í:wes te Siyolexwálh (teachings from our ancestors) in everything we do so that we can walk in both worlds.

Gabe Williams is the Southern Stl’atl’imx representative on the FNHC. He comes from Skatin, part of the Stl’atl’imx Nation and carries two traditional names from his father, Tselxasqet and P’ta7a. He has served on the Skatin Council since February 1994 and on the Lower Stl’atl’imx Tribal Council since its inception. Gabe was on the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society Board for 12 years – including several terms as Board Chair as well as Interim Health Director. He was certified as a First Nations Health Manager in 2016 through the First Nations Health Managers Association based in Ontario.

Maria Martin is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and joined the First Nations Health Council in January 2014. Maria was appointed as the Central Coast Rep for the First Nation communities of Kitasoo, Oweekeno, Nuxalk and Heiltsuk located on the central coast of BC. Prior to her appointment, Maria was an active part of the Central Coast Community Hub. She has committed to working with integrity, reciprocal accountability and a focus on building strong partnerships with community and governments with objectivity and openness.