Chief and Council
2022-2024 Term
Sharleen Gale, Chief Councillor
John Michel , Councillor
Patricia Capot Blanc, Councillor
Roberta Michel, Councillor
Archie Harrold, Councillor
Chrystal Fincaryk, Councillor
Harvey Behn, Councillor
John Michel , Councillor
Patricia Capot Blanc, Councillor
Roberta Michel, Councillor
Archie Harrold, Councillor
Chrystal Fincaryk, Councillor
Harvey Behn, Councillor
List of Previous Councils by Terms
The information contained in this document is for informational purposes only and provided by AANDC. This is the only information they have on file for FNFN.
| FNFN Band Council History |
Check out our Chief and Council biographies below!
Photo by Kendell Gairdner
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Council MeetingsPlease contact the Governance Coordinator, for more information by calling 250.774.7257
To Contact Chief & CouncilAll correspondence to Council is to be sent to
councilclerk@fnnation.ca - Governance Coordinator |
Meeting NotesTo view Council, Community or Membership Meeting Notes Band Members can contact the administration office at 250.774.7257.
Band Members are welcome to sit and observe Council meetings but must schedule a date and time. For more information please call the Governance Coordinator at 250.774.7257. |
Get To Know Your Council
Left to right: Councillor Patricia Capot Blanc, Councillor Chrystal Fincaryk, Councillor Roberta Michel, Chief Sharleen Gale, Councillor Harvey Behn, Councillor John Michel and Councillor Archie Harrold
Chief Councillor Sharleen Gale
Sharleen Gale has been an elected Councillor of the Fort Nelson First Nation since 2009. She is an active member of the Fort Nelson First Nation and envisions a future where all members are working together to become a strong, proud, healthy, and self-reliant Nation. She is the grand-daughter of Fred Burke and Madeline Needlay. Her roots run deep in the lives of her people and she enjoys being on the land with her family exploring the territory and teaching her son the traditional ways on the lands and how to hunt, fish, and gather medicines and berries.
As a leader and Chief of the Nation, she understands the importance of a upholding the spirit and intent of the treaty by asserting her peoples’ rights to their land and taking responsibility for ensuring that our future generations are able to live their lives in their territory in a way that honours our ancestors. Sharleen started her career at Westcoast Energy Inc. in 2000. Her various roles working in Administration, Finance, Maintenance, Planning and in Leadership have given her extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, the corporate world and the vision to ensure our people are managing our lands and our resources in our territory to the benefit of our members.
Sharleen is the chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and believes that First Nations need to have the opportunity to have equity in major project infrastructure and access to meaningful financing for these projects happening in their territories. One that focuses on a balance approach of economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Several First Nations have formed the First Nations Major Projects Coalition for the purposes of examining how ownership of major resource projects on their lands could be facilitated and how environmental practices can be improved to meet their needs.
The work of the FNMPC is directed through feedback received from the First Nations participating in the Coalition
If you would like to contact Chief Gale, please email her at sharleen.gale@council.fnnation.ca
As a leader and Chief of the Nation, she understands the importance of a upholding the spirit and intent of the treaty by asserting her peoples’ rights to their land and taking responsibility for ensuring that our future generations are able to live their lives in their territory in a way that honours our ancestors. Sharleen started her career at Westcoast Energy Inc. in 2000. Her various roles working in Administration, Finance, Maintenance, Planning and in Leadership have given her extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, the corporate world and the vision to ensure our people are managing our lands and our resources in our territory to the benefit of our members.
Sharleen is the chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and believes that First Nations need to have the opportunity to have equity in major project infrastructure and access to meaningful financing for these projects happening in their territories. One that focuses on a balance approach of economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Several First Nations have formed the First Nations Major Projects Coalition for the purposes of examining how ownership of major resource projects on their lands could be facilitated and how environmental practices can be improved to meet their needs.
The work of the FNMPC is directed through feedback received from the First Nations participating in the Coalition
If you would like to contact Chief Gale, please email her at sharleen.gale@council.fnnation.ca
Councillor Patricia Capot Blanc
My name is Patricia Capot Blanc (AKA Sister) I was born and raised here in Fort Nelson and have lived here all my life. I raised my four children in our community of FNFN and recently lost one child. I am a very proud grandmother to 2 granddaughters and 4 grandsons. I am the third child born to Adolphus Capot Blanc and Maggie (Netsena) Capot Blanc (1 sister and 2 brothers). My grandparents are Narcisse and Virginia Capot Blanc & Celine Netsena.
I have worked with FNFN since my early teen years in different departments within our organization with my current position being the elders activities coordinator. I am excited to continue on in leadership for my fourth term. It has been and continues to be a learning experience for me in the council seat, but I am happy to continue on in this work. I am very active within the community and enjoy helping when and where I am needed.
I am proud to be a FNFN member and wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to working with the newly elected leadership, staff and community members over the next few years and hope that we can come together in unity so we can be the best we can be.
I have worked with FNFN since my early teen years in different departments within our organization with my current position being the elders activities coordinator. I am excited to continue on in leadership for my fourth term. It has been and continues to be a learning experience for me in the council seat, but I am happy to continue on in this work. I am very active within the community and enjoy helping when and where I am needed.
I am proud to be a FNFN member and wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to working with the newly elected leadership, staff and community members over the next few years and hope that we can come together in unity so we can be the best we can be.
Councillor Archie Harrold
I am the son of Shirley Ann (McKenzie) Harrold, Archie L Knill (Stepdad, Glen McKenzie). The first Grandson of Rose (Matois/Adin) Harrold, and George Garnet Harrold. Born and raised in Fort Nelson and area. My grand parents were a major part in my upbringing as I grew up.
I am so blessed to have been raised in such a large family, with endless cuzins.
I started my own business in 1995 with the support of my wife, Shirley Gwen. More than 20 years ago, with support from FNFN, I relocated my business and family of 5 to FNFN IR #2 land. Recently selling the trucking/salvage end of the business, in turn gave me the opportunity to give back to FNFN. I served as a Director on the Deh Tai BOD, and have now been elected for a two-year term as FNFN Councillor.
I have and will continue to use the knowledge I have gained over the years to make sound, realistic decisions that will benefit FNFN and its members. This I can promise.
Archie.
I am so blessed to have been raised in such a large family, with endless cuzins.
I started my own business in 1995 with the support of my wife, Shirley Gwen. More than 20 years ago, with support from FNFN, I relocated my business and family of 5 to FNFN IR #2 land. Recently selling the trucking/salvage end of the business, in turn gave me the opportunity to give back to FNFN. I served as a Director on the Deh Tai BOD, and have now been elected for a two-year term as FNFN Councillor.
I have and will continue to use the knowledge I have gained over the years to make sound, realistic decisions that will benefit FNFN and its members. This I can promise.
Archie.
Councillor John Michel
Hi there, my name is John Michel, son of Joseph Michel and Edda (Mavis) Capot-Blanc. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who may not know me. I was born and raised in the Fort Nelson First Nation community. If you don't factor in the time I spent in Vancouver as I was a college student and my time spent in Newfoundland as I raised my family there. I always felt the call from home and it felt different this time. I feel so proud to be a member of this community because I have known what it feels like to be recognized and appreciated for who you are. I remember all the old days of gathering around one television set with rabbit ears and having to hold the antennas to clear the screen to watch HOCKEY! Only to grab your hockey stick and play a game on the ice! I was too small then but was bigger by the time it was placed behind where Myrna's house is now. Those were quite the memories...I have an interest in photography which has allowed me to further express myself through pictures. I have a very strong sense of goodwill towards others as I have been raised to be good from a very strong woman, my mom. She once told me, when I was about to fail grade five but just barely squeaked by with a little pleading, that my dad wanted all his kids to graduate, that moment turned my life around. I was promoted every year after that until I did just that! My aunt Florence (Aunty Biz) Michel and mom were so proud that they held a party for me where the Justice Department is now. I have always been a nice guy that will work hard for you, and I will do it with a smile! I am home to stay and I welcome any and all who would like to reach out and say hi. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to give back to the community I love so much!
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Councillor Chrystal Fincaryk |
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My name is Chrystal Fincaryk and I am the daughter of Theresa and Dave Sutherland. Like most blended families I have another dad Ian Lloyd and a stepmom Joan. I have three sisters Jodie, Amber, and Carmen. I am the mother of two teenagers who are Fort Nelson First Nation, Band members. My family and I are active members in both the communities of F.N.F.N. and Fort Nelson. I am excited to have been elected for this Council term and I humbly thank the people who voted for me. I have integrity, a strong work ethic and I enjoy working with people for the betterment of Fort Nelson First Nation. My grandparents were Eddy and Mary Needlay from Fontas River and I remember hunting, boating, fishing, and camping with my grandparents at Fontas as a child.
I was born in Fort St John, lived in Calgary for 4 years while my dad attended U.O.C obtaining his Engineering degree. While in Calgary I took skiing lessons at Canada Olympic Park. Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics while we lived there, and my parents took me to most of all the sporting events which were memorable. From Calgary we moved to Osoyoos for 7 years where I spent most of my teenage years attending Osoyoos secondary School. I took sailing lessons, joined girl guides, worked occasionally doing surveying projects with my dad and waitressed at the pizza factory. One summer I went to Wrangle Alaska to work in a diamond mine. We moved back to Fort Nelson where I attended F.N.S.S. and later graduated from Chalo School.
In the past I have worked for Arcas and other archaeology companies. I have been employed with Fort Nelson First Nation in various roles from 2002-2014, in the Cultural Revitalization dept. and as a secretary. I was the Patient Travel Clerk from 2015-2020. Currently I am the F.N.F.N. Community Health Rep and acting Manager of the Health Building. Along with my full-time job I deliver the COHI (Community Oral Health Initiative) to community members on a part time basis.
I have sat on the C.E.A. board for the last 4 years and had to resign to take this Council position. During that time, I have learned many things about education and understand the importance of both Education and Governance. I’ve taking courses in Community Emergency preparedness. Attended the Transformation program and most recently just completed the End-of-Life Training in Prince George.
I helped complete 3-surveys for F.N.F.N., The First Nation, Foods, Nutrition and Environment Studies (2009- 10), The Duodenal Health Survey for Health Canada-2011, and the B.C. Hydro smart meter survey on Reserves (2012). I enjoy helping and working with people of all ages, especially our Elders. I look forward to doing the best job possible while on council of F.N.F.N. to assist all members.
I was born in Fort St John, lived in Calgary for 4 years while my dad attended U.O.C obtaining his Engineering degree. While in Calgary I took skiing lessons at Canada Olympic Park. Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics while we lived there, and my parents took me to most of all the sporting events which were memorable. From Calgary we moved to Osoyoos for 7 years where I spent most of my teenage years attending Osoyoos secondary School. I took sailing lessons, joined girl guides, worked occasionally doing surveying projects with my dad and waitressed at the pizza factory. One summer I went to Wrangle Alaska to work in a diamond mine. We moved back to Fort Nelson where I attended F.N.S.S. and later graduated from Chalo School.
In the past I have worked for Arcas and other archaeology companies. I have been employed with Fort Nelson First Nation in various roles from 2002-2014, in the Cultural Revitalization dept. and as a secretary. I was the Patient Travel Clerk from 2015-2020. Currently I am the F.N.F.N. Community Health Rep and acting Manager of the Health Building. Along with my full-time job I deliver the COHI (Community Oral Health Initiative) to community members on a part time basis.
I have sat on the C.E.A. board for the last 4 years and had to resign to take this Council position. During that time, I have learned many things about education and understand the importance of both Education and Governance. I’ve taking courses in Community Emergency preparedness. Attended the Transformation program and most recently just completed the End-of-Life Training in Prince George.
I helped complete 3-surveys for F.N.F.N., The First Nation, Foods, Nutrition and Environment Studies (2009- 10), The Duodenal Health Survey for Health Canada-2011, and the B.C. Hydro smart meter survey on Reserves (2012). I enjoy helping and working with people of all ages, especially our Elders. I look forward to doing the best job possible while on council of F.N.F.N. to assist all members.
