ʔukłaamaḥ Cynthia Dick. c̓išaaʔaqsup. I was appointed the Chief Councillor of the Tseshaht First Nation in May 2016. ʔumʔiiqsakaḥ Eileen Watts (c̓išaaʔatḥ), n̓uw̓iiqsakaḥ Richard Dick Sr. (c̓išaaʔatḥ) ʔiš Carl Bob (Nanoose). I have had the privilege of growing up in the Tseshaht community and take great pride in being a Tseshaht member. I am the proud mother of Arianna Watts, she has been my motivation to work hard to make this world a better place. In 2014 I graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelor of Arts; Major in Sociology and Minor in Psychology. I went on to complete my Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate at VIU in 2015.
I am very grateful and honoured to be elected the Chief Councillor for Tseshaht First Nation. I have stepped into this role with a vision to continue the work of creating a brighter future for our community and future generations. I think it is important for all Tseshaht members to have a strong understanding of who we are, where we come from and confidence in where we are going.
One teaching that I hold close to my heart is hišuk ʔiš c̓awaak (everything is one and all is interconnected). I strongly believe in the Nuu-chah-nulth way of life in regards to taking care of our own and building relationships on ?iisak (respect). I also believe in the strength of our Nation and recognize that we are stronger when we work together as one. I think it is important that we continue to work towards being a self-sufficient Nation to create a sustainable future for our members. In order to do this I think it is important to focus on the revitalization of our language and culture as that is the core of who we are as Tseshaht and Nuu-chah-nulth people. I would also like to work on creating more opportunities for our members through economic development. I think it is also important for us to gain a clear vision as a community. Through more community engagement we will be able to work towards our common goals and visions as Tseshaht people.