Leadership for a strong and safe community
Where We Live
Ye Koo Che literally translates to the Dakelh location of the community: “Ye Koo” refers to Cunningham Lake and “Che” refers to the end or tail of Nankut Creek.
Our traditional territory is located northwest of Fort St James, BC and comprised of four reserves on a total of roughly 180 hectares of land.
We are reclaiming our pride, dignity, and self-esteem, by confidently developing Yekooche finances, mining, forestry, and land independently.
Where We Live
Ye Koo Che literally translates to the Dakelh location of the community: “Ye Koo” refers to Cunningham Lake and “Che” refers to the end or tail of Nankut Creek.
Our traditional territory is located northwest of Fort St James, BC and comprised of four reserves on a total of roughly 180 hectares of land.
We are reclaiming our pride, dignity, and self-esteem, by confidently developing Yekooche finances, mining, forestry, and land independently.
Where We Live
Ye Koo Che literally translates to the Dakelh location of the community: “Ye Koo” refers to Cunningham Lake and “Che” refers to the end or tail of Nankut Creek.
Our traditional territory is located northwest of Fort St James, BC and comprised of four reserves on a total of roughly 180 hectares of land.
We are reclaiming our pride, dignity, and self-esteem, by confidently developing Yekooche finances, mining, forestry, and land independently.
Since the 1800s, our traditional lands and lakes have supported our way of life with hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, as well as gathering medicinal roots, herbs and berries, and linking us to neighbouring First Nations communities.
Most of the year, our band members live in Reserve #3 (Yekooche), along the northwest arm of Stuart Lake, where Nancut Creek drains Cunningham Lake into Stuart Lake. In summer, we spread out to our ancestral keyohs to live on the land with our extended families.
The Yekooche First Nation is governed by a democratically elected Chief and Council.
Every two years, one Chief and three Councillors are selected by the community to represent and lead their members with vision and compassion.
Territory 52 BC Treaty Map
Since 1995, our Councils have been involved in comprehensive treaty settlement negotiations (Stage 5) to protect what remains of our land and future.
Currently, the Yekooche First Nation is not affiliated with any tribal councils or treaty groups.
We are stewards of the land within our traditional territories.
We will fulfill a greater role in conservation and safeguarding of our culture and way of life while developing economic opportunities that serve the needs of the Nation.
Yekooche Chief & Council
CHIEF MITCHELL JOSEPH
Chief Mitchell Joseph is a visionary and compassionate leader who understands the importance of building a strong foundation for future generations. Deeply connected to the land, he takes great pride in being its steward to preserve our most important sustainable and renewable Yekooche asset.
Blessed with the gift of a Dreamer’s visions, this unique skill of tapping into the wisdom of his ancestors is passed down in his clan. Through deep thinking and introspection, he receives messages and guidance in these dreams from those who came before him. This spiritual connection fuels his decision-making, shapes his vision for the community, and makes him a true inspiration and trusted advocate for his people.
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Chief Mitchell’s leadership is grounded in a profound respect for the traditions and values of his people. He recognizes the significance of preserving our cultural heritage and works tirelessly to ensure that ancestral knowledge is passed down to younger generations. His commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future is at the core of his leadership style.
As an elected Chief, Mitchell envisions a community that thrives in harmony with the land and fosters a strong sense of unity among its members. He is dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and prosperity while prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of every individual.
COUNCILLOR MATHEW JOSEPH
Born in the spring of 1965, Matthew Joseph has always loved his culture and his home in Yekooche. Being immersed in the traditional ways – trapping, making hay, ice-fishing with his grandparents and other elders – was a beautiful experience that has shaped him as a man. Matthew is fluent in Dakelh largely because he spent so much time with his Elders while growing up and he shares this invaluable knowledge with his children and grandchildren.
As an adult, Matthew has worked different community roles and his favourites were as the Youth Coordinator and on the Treaty Negotiations for the Band. He greatly valued engaging with his community and he continues that commitment as a three-term councillor. Sharing his knowledge and being open to more learning helps him make the community stronger while advocating for their needs and desires.
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Matthew has many hopes and dreams for the future of this community and he would like to see one particular dream come to fruition soon. He sees Yekooche undertaking a great economic venture that will sustain the community for the long term. He intends to play a part in ensuring that Yekooche remains a vibrant and strong home for generations to come.
COUNCILLOR MIRANDA JOSEPH
Known for her traditional skill of canning salmon, Councillor Miranda is a dedicated and passionate Elected Councillor, who tirelessly fights for the indigenous, aboriginal and governance rights of the Yekooche people. In addition to her advocacy work, Councillor Miranda values quality time with her family and cherish the quiet moments to relax and recharge by getting out into the lake country.
Councillor Miranda is a strong advocate for community engagement and believes in the power of collective action to bring about positive change. Her dedication and compassionate approach make her an ideal representative for the Yekooche community.
COUNCILLOR AUSTIN JOSEPH
Councillor Austin is a dedicated and passionate leader, continuing a proud legacy of public service as a fourth-generation politician. His great-grandfather was the pioneering first chief of Yekooche, and his grandfather, Allan Joseph, also held the esteemed position of Chief.
At the young age of 17, Austin demonstrated his leadership skills by coaching a local baseball team, fostering teamwork and inspiring youth in his community. He achieved a significant milestone as the first male in his family to graduate, setting a powerful example for future generations.
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As a father of two, Councillor Austin is deeply invested in creating a prosperous and inclusive future for all. His dedication to public service and his rich familial heritage drive his commitment to making a positive impact in his community.