A new chief has been elected for the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Justin Sky George began his term on July 1 after an election last month, succeeding Jen Thomas who held the position since 2021.
“It’s a huge honour,” George said. “Moving forward, it’s really about building on that success of the past, understanding what has worked and what hasn’t and engaging [with] our people.”
George was elected alongside six Tsleil-Waututh Nation councillors. Couns. Curtis Thomas, Deanna George and Dennis Thomas were re-elected, while Kalila George-Wilson, James Sandover and Nicholas Kofi were newly elected.
During the upcoming term, George hopes they can bring more diverse housing options for the community, including elders. He also said he will strive to enhance cultural programming, such as new possibilities around wellness and healing, and new business opportunities for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“Through economic sovereignty, we can truly make decisions as a people,” he said. “When you have revenues coming in as a people, you can make those decisions on housing, on enhancing wellness, on enhancing all aspects of services that are provided by the nation and grow them.”
The new chief has been heavily involved in the community. His first job was interviewing elders about the history and stories revolving around the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and how the land was used. George then went on to Takaya Tours, a canoe and kayak tour agency launched by his father and former chief Leonard George, sharing the nation’s culture and stories with the public. He also worked on economic development for the nation for more than 18 years, and served as a councillor for 10.
The leadership role isn’t new for George, as he was chief from 2007 to 2011, a crucial time for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
“It was the first time Indigenous peoples were recognized as head of state and that was important to the four host nations,” George said. “The four host nations were so heavily involved in what I deem as a very successful Olympics, we stood as equals. We were full partners with all levels of government … and the Olympic Committee and so on.”
The elected chief is excited for the opportunity again with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver next year.
“I think the World Cup … it’s another level because it’s so global,” he said. “We’re definitely heavily involved and excited about the opportunity again, just to stand with our relatives and the host nations to welcome the World Cup here.”
George said he decided to run for chief again for the love, passion and support he has for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, drawing back to personal memories he had as a boy.
“We didn’t have a lot, but we had a lot of love, and we had a lot of culture, even within the hurt,” he said, adding that family members and elders taught him songs, dances and teachings around the canoe growing up.
“Really, it’s the love and gratitude that I have for the people that gives me the strength to step forward into this role,” George said. “I’m extremely excited to be part of this new leadership team.”
Elected chief and council will hold their term until June 29, 2029.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
https://bsky.app/profile/abbyluciano.bsky.social
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