Chief and Council Profiles
Chief Lydia Hwitsum
Francine Alphonse
Francine completed her Business Administration Diploma, UVIC in 2005.
"I am truly honored to have a seat at Council and the Committee for the term of 2017-19. I also am culturally and community involved, can assist and bring Cowichan Tribes toward it’s goals."
Stephanie Atleo
Stephanie began her education in First Nation Governance in the mid 1990's by attending a two year Associates of Arts Diploma program at the Institute of Indigenous Governance. She graduated from UBC with a BA in First Nations Studies, minoring in History. Following this Stephanie worked for many years in the Cowichan Tribes Band Office.
It is Stephanie's future plan to return to school in pursuit of the Masters in Business Administration. In addition to her interest in school, Stephanie's other interests include reading, playing fastball, and coaching youth soccer.
Albie Joe Charlie - Whulquletse
Cowichan Band Housing Society, Khowutzun Gaming Corporation, Finance, Human Resources, Own Source Revenue, Policy, Education, Elder's S'ulhween, Health Advisory, Environment Resource, Fishing, Justice, Land Code, Land Investigation, Land Management, Specific Claims, Archaeological, Archaeological Reburial, Child & Family Services (L.S.), L.S. Adoptions, Cowichan Tribes Treaty, Duncan Chamber of Commerce, Island Corridor Foundation, Cowichan Bay Planning are the committees that Albie is involved in.
Outside interests include fishing, attending and cooking for ceremonies at the Longhouse. He enjoys the outdoors. He also teaches Hul'q'umi'num' to community members. Albie was once a Social Worker for Cowichan Tribes.
Jen Charlie
Cindy Daniels (on leave)
This term, Cindy serves on the following committees and boards: Community Safety, Finance, Health Advisory, Own Source Revenue, Tumuhw', and Grave Permit & Dike Company.
Cindy was first elected to Council in 2009.
Darin George
Howard (Howie) George - Q'isulestse
Everyone matters have programs and services for our members, open communication, honesty, trust, respect and a stronger Cowichan.
Howie's interests are Economic development, housing, jobs and education.
Stuart Pagaduan - Qwiyahwult-hw
"I consider it a great honor to represent Cowichan people. My initial goals are to listen and understand the needs of our community. Making small positive changes for a stronger future.
Art is a big part of my life. I've been an Artist for about 20 years. I like to be outdoors; fishing and hunting."
Calvin A. Swustus Jr - Swutth’tus
Calvin Swustus Jr, born into the Village of Quamichan, raised in the Cowichan Valley. This is his first term as an elected official.
Calvin has worked in various areas in his young life, in local sawmills, and an adult outreach worker, working with persons with disabilities, and worked as the Legal Aid at the Duncan Court House. Calvin filled a position with the La’Lum U’tul Smuneem Child and Family services as a Family Connection worker for 7 years.
Calvin is now employed with the Hiiye’yu Lelum House of Friendship, as the Youth Service Coordinator, he enjoys working with youth sharing cultural songs and Tzinquaw dancing, sharing the local myths and history. Calvin has up to 60 youth on the youth drop in evenings, taking part in the events.
Calvin has spent the past 12 years participating in the North West Coast Salish war canoes races, and the Outrigger canoe races.
Calvin Swustus Jr serves on the following committees and boards: Treaty Committee, Cowichan Nation Alliance, Gravel Permit & Dike, Policy Committee, and Khowutzun Gaming Corporation.
“I look forward to being the voice for the community and making the best decisions for the community as a whole.”
Calvin is married with 3 daughters.
Calvin Swustus Sr. - Swutth'tus
Councillor Swutth’tus Calvin Swustus, is from the Quamichan Village, has enjoyed extensive careers in the public service, including 22 years with the RCMP where he served in a variety of operational roles which included First Nations Policing, at the North Cowichan Duncan Detachment, and Sidney Detachment. Calvin also served in the Tse’wultun Police Service, and Chief Constable at the Ditidaht Police Service, and 5 years in the Commissionaire Corp. of Canada.
Calvin Swustus has enjoyed volunteering in many community services, including the Providence Farm Board of Director, Cowichan Valley Crime Stoppers Board of Director, Cowichan Valley Native Friendship Centre, The Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games, and the 2017 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
Calvin Swustus has been decorated with the RCMP Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and the Canadian Aboriginal Veterans Association decorated Calvin for his service to Canada.
Calvin Swustus has sat on various Council Committees, for Cowichan Tribes. Calvin Swustus has built a valuable Restorative Justice program, which has received 2 Recognition Awards. Calvin has received the Premiers Award for Promoting Innovation And Excellence.
Lydia Hwitsum
Dora Wilson - Thulamiye
Dora sits on the following committees:
- Membership Committee
- Own Source Revenue
- Housing Committee
- Education Committee
- Elders Tobacco Tax Committee
- Land Investigation Committee
- Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee
- Cowichan Tribes Elders Advisory Committee
- Cowichan Tribes Shared Territory Working Group
- Cowichan Nation Alliance
- HTG Board of Directors
- Coordination Agreement Table – Child & Family Wellness Legislation
- Elders S'ulhween
Dora also services on the following boards:
- 0990409 BC Ltd.
- Gravel Permit & Dike Company
- Khowutzun Development LP Board
- Village Green Mall – Cowichan Mini Mall Ltd.