The Ch’íyáqtel People

“Ey Swayel, my Xwelmexw name is Weli’leq, and my given name is Derek Epp. My parents are Bruce and Sheree Epp; my grandparents are Georgina Pall and the late Lorne Robinson; my great-grandparents are the late Duncan and Dorothy Wealick. I am a proud descendant of the Wealick family and honoured to walk with the Xwelmexw name Weli’leq while serving our community.”

Living on Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation) from the age of two, Chief Derek gained a solid understanding and the importance of the land while getting the opportunity to build strong relationships within the community. It was from these beginnings that he developed a strong desire to serve and make a difference in the Ch’íyáqtel community.

Knowing he wanted to pursue his passion for working with First Nation communities, Chief Derek received a Diploma in Social Services while specializing in First Nations studies and then completed a Bachelor's in Social Work. He then went on to do a practicum in Australia at an Aboriginal Child Protection Agency and worked with  Xyolhemeylh (Fraser Valley Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society). When asked to run in 2017, he was honoured, and humbled, but ready to fulfill his passion to help Ch’íyáqtel continue to build a healthy community through culture and developing social services.

“Anthony (Tony) Peter Malloway is the name given to me by my parents, Georgina Sara Malloway, from Sumas First Nation, and Ivan Malloway, from Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation). My Xwelmexw name is Yexweylem. I am married to Danielle Prest from Skwah First Nation, Danielle’s mother is originally from Shalath, and her father is from Skwah First Nation. I have 4 children, one recently deceased.”

At the end of the 80s, Anthony began working in fisheries. In the early 90s, he completed the River Guardian training program at the Justice Institute of BC. This program gave him the skills and knowledge necessary to further his career and take on the following positions:

Fishery Officer – Sergeant
Sto:lo Enumeration Program – Supervisor
Sto:lo Nation – Fishery Manager
Fraser Valley Aboriginal Fisheries Society – Manager

He proudly served as a Councillor of the Ch’íyáqtel First Nation from 2000-2014. After taking six years off to focus on family, he was elected again in 2020. Anthony was recently re-elected during the 2024 election and is now serving his second consecutive term on Council.

As Councillor, Anthony would like to see a greater representation of Ch’íyáqtel members working in senior positions at Ch’íyáqtel First Nation. He would also like to see Ch’íyáqtel continue to move forward in becoming fully self-sufficient and facilitating all services within the community.

“Ey Swayel and Hello, my name is Loren Muth. My parents are Diane McEachern (Kelly) and Brian Muth, and my grandparents are Edward Kelly Jr. and Audrey Rumak. I am part of the Kelly family, which originates from Sema:th First Nation.”

Loren has lived on Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation) since he was eight and has been fortunate to see how the environment on and off the reserve has developed over time. Growing up, he had many opportunities to travel the world with his family. This led him to cherish the natural world and the connectedness of everything around us. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Physical Geography and a certificate in Berry Production. After finishing his degree, Loren realized his passion for Agriculture and food production and became a Professional Agrologist.

Working for Ch’íyáqtel First Nation as both a Lands Officer and a Finance Clerk gave Loren insight into the band's inner workings. This helped fuel him drive to pursue Council. In 2017 he was elected for that term. He looks forward to serving the members for the remainder of his term while promoting self-sustainability and environmental stewardship within the band.

My traditional name is Melath'íyatel. I am the granddaughter of the late Nellie and Francis Roberts. Daughter to Elly Janik (Roberts) and the late Tadeusz Janik.

Jennifer was born and raised in S’olh temexw and is excited to raise her daughter on Ch’íyáqtel S’olh temexw.

Jennifer is a graduate from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) with a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. She also holds a CAPA designation from Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada (AFOA).  She has served Ch’íyáqtel as an employee since 2014 in the capacity of Housing Intern and Finance Officer for Accounts Receivable.

As a Stó:lō woman Jennifer admires the roles of our Matriarchs and Silólexwe (Elders) and strongly believes we always need to keep our ears, mind and hearts open to the teachings and guidance they share with us. Jennifer strives to push Ch’íyáqtel forward through strategic planning, sound financial management and weave our Stó:lō culture into everything that we do.

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Ey Swayel. I am the Grandson of Elder Eva Campbell.

Living on reserve his entire life, Hayden has been deeply rooted in our traditions and culture since childhood. Inspired by the leadership of his great aunt, Chief Glenda Campbell, who made history as the first female chief of Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation), Hayden was called to serve membership and make a positive impact.

A graduate of Trinity Western University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, specializing in management, Hayden has honed his skills and expertise to contribute meaningfully to our community's growth and prosperity. His ongoing pursuit of knowledge at the TULO Centre for Indigenous Economics further solidifies his commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable development within Ch’íyáqtel.

With five years of invaluable experience in the Ch’íyáqtel Lands Department, Hayden has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective tax jurisdiction and economic initiatives. His passion for advancing the welfare of our members and preserving our heritage drives him to continue the legacy of past councils and to be a resounding voice for progress and positivity. As a member of youth council for 4 years, Hayden also holds a passion for bridging the gap between our Elders and knowledge keepers and their cultural wisdom and passing it down to our youth, ensuring those important cultural aspects are not lost.