We, the Pacheedaht First Nation, exercise our rights, title and jurisdiction with the active use and management of our lands.
Vision Statement
We, the Pacheedaht First Nation, exercise our rights, title and jurisdiction with the active use and management of our lands.
Our sacred land is our home, which brings us peace, safety and comfort and connects us to each other and our ancestors.
We are a thriving, strong and resilient community who continue to actively live the teachings of our ancestors of how to care for the land.
Our lands of abundant wildlife, clean air, pristine water and beautiful forests sustain a healthy habitat for our animals, seafood, fish and forests for the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.
Every harvest we fill our freezers with a bounty of food for winter while ensuring the sustainability of our resources.
From right to left: Chief Jeff Jones, Councillor Mariyah Dunn-Jones, Councillor Tracy Charlie, Councillor Natasha Jones 
Newly Elected Pacheedaht councillors with family witnesses/signing of Oath From left to right: Pacheedaht Commissionaire of Oaths Dorothy R Jones,Pacheedaht member Lorne Canute as witness to Councillor Tracy Charlie, Pacheedaht Elder Marilyn Jones as witness to Chief Jeff Jones, Pacheedaht member Tara Jones as witness to Councillor Natasha Jones, Pacheedaht Councillor Mariyah Dunn-Jones with witness Alysha MorrisGovernance Structure
Pacheedaht First Nation operates under an election system that follows the Indian Act. We are in the process of moving toward a self-governance system whereby we make our own laws and policies.
We currently have one elected chief, Chief Jeff Jones, and three elected Councillors, Tracy Charlie, Natasha Jones and Mariyah Dunn Jones. We also follow our traditional hereditary system. Our Hereditary Chief is Frank Jones.
Territory
“People of the Seafoam” are closely related in terms of kinship, language and culture to other First Nations on Vancouver Island such as family tribes to the West and South. Our traditional territory extends from Bonilla Point in the west, to Kirby Creek to the east, eastward inland to the height of land on Vancouver Island, and westward out to the offshore waters and fishing banks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Hereditary Chief
Pacheedaht First Nation is actively governed by Hereditary Chief Queesto and historically held by the Queesto Family lineage.
Jeff Jones, Chief
Chief Jeff Jones is dedicated to the principle of λiix̣akika čapćaq (paddling the canoe together) to create a safe, healthy, and united Nation. Guided by values of accountability and respect (ʔiisaak), his platform focuses on unifying the community, prioritizing a representative housing committee, and developing a new community centre for sports and cultural programming.
Tracy Charlie, Councillor
Born and raised in Pacheedaht all of her life, Tracy Charlie has been an Elected Councillor for a number of years. Following the loss of the great man Mr. McClurg, she has also come to fulfill the role of Treaty Negotiator. Tracy grew up with her late parents, five girls and multiple ‘foster’ children. Now married to her husband Bear she has three adult sons, four step children and four grandchildren. Passionate about culture and heritage, she is committed to the continued growth of the Nation—from economic development opportunities to cultural learning.
Natasha Jones, Councillor
Natasha believes that with the right leadership and fresh ideas, we can transform Pacheedaht into a place where every band member can thrive. She is focused on housing, education, health, and job security as her top priorities, along with providing more programs for youth and families, increasing support for elders, and holding regular band meetings to keep everyone informed.
Mariyah Dunn Jones, Councillor
Mariyah has lived on Pacheedaht territory all her life and witnessed meaningful change through connection to land and water, culture and people. She believes that by protecting and governing our lands and water, strengthening culture knowledge and practice is central to our well-being and must remain at the heart of all our decision-making. By respecting our Elders, listening to youth. and working together, she hopes to continue positive change for the benefit of the entire Nation.
Natural Resources
Fisheries and Wildlife
Pacheedaht Fisheries and Wildlife department takes care of the Nation’s most prized resources within lands and waters of the Traditional territory. Many restoration projects are underway to ensure that these important foods and medicines are available for hundreds of years to come.
Helen Jones
[email protected]
Forestry
The forestry economy has been active in Pacheedaht territory, which is known for its unique high production forests. The coastal rainforest has provided for Pacheedaht people since time immemorial and many archaeological resources and Cultural forests have been identified that confirm the strong reliance on timber and non-timber products. The Nation has developed detailed strategies to protect the important resources for members to access, as well as sustainable long term planning.
Land
Pacheedaht’s territory is vast and runs from Bonilla Point to the west to Kirby Creek to the east along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It stretches inland towards Lake Cowichan and out into the open ocean to encompass Swiftsure Bank. The extent of the territory is a testimony to the strength of the Nation, rich resources and strong governance.
The Nation is in Stage 5 of the BCTC Treaty process and continues to build the lands portfolio annually.
Staff Directory
Membership, staff, friends, and community gathered for a Pacheedaht Council "Oath of Office" Swear in Ceremony on March 18th, 2026
We would like to take a minute to acknowledge and say Kleco, Kleco for all that attended and supported your Chief and Council on this very special "Oath of Office” ceremony. This evening was so special with many elders, family, staff, friends and invited guests locally and that travelled in, forestry partners staff, youth group. And to finish off the night there was culture singing and dancing all together. It was very heart-warming at many levels and now it's time to focus on direction from membership.
Maria Harris, Reception
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2200
Jeff Jones, Chief
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Natasha Jones, Councillor / Preschool and Daycare
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Mariyah Dunn Jones, Council
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Tracy Charlie, Councillor / Treaty Negotiator
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2207
Elizabeth Dick, Elder in Residence / Arts & Culture Teacher
250-647-5521
Kristine Gatzke, Referrals & Acting Band Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2208
Cassidy Childs, Administrative Coordinator
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Krystal Smith, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 3200
Tammi Peter, Administrative Assistant (Housing)
[email protected]
250-647-0090
Dorothy R Jones, Bookkeeper / Indian Registry Administrator
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2220
Joan McKinnon, Finance Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2202
Patrice Dubnick, Education Administration & Post Secondary
[email protected]
250-647-5520
Katie Kothlow, Youth Coordinator
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Nicole Peyton, Assistant Daycare Manager
250-647-5521
Mark Pentecost, West Coast Trail Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2214
Helen Jones, Fisheries Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521 ext. 2205
Shaylin Warren, Youth Program Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521
William Toulmin, Emergency Services Manager / CHR Nurse
[email protected]
778-677-4555
Melissa Warmuth, Office Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Natasha Jones, Housing Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Linda Jones, Campground Office Supervisor
[email protected]
250-647-0090
Monique Jones, Campground Administration Manager / Social Development Manager
[email protected]
250-647-0090
Ryan Meusing, Business Operations Manager
250-647-5521
Nadine McClurg, Pacheedaht Pitstop Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Jennifer Hetrick, Garden Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521
Carlson Hetrick, Waterplant Manager
250-647-5521
Adelaine Jack, San Juan Market Manager
[email protected]
250-647-5521