Robert Chamberlin - The BC Assembly of First Nations

CANDJDA TE PROFlLE SUMMARY � CHIEF ROBERT CHAMBERLIN, OWADI
Chief Bob Chamberlin, Owadi, is a member of the Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First
Nation, which is part of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation. The main village site of the
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mls is located at Gwa'yas'dums (Gilford Island), located between
Tribune Channel and Knight Inlet in BC. Bob is the son of late Stella Smith, a brother to
three siblings and a very proud father of Willie. Bob is enjoying life in North Vancouver with
his partner Melissa.
Local Initiatives & Accomplishments
I have served as the elected Chief Councillor of Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation
since 2005 and Chair of the Musgamagw·Tsawataineuk Tribal Council since 2005. As
Chief Councillor, I led our comprehensive community planning process, undertook rnajor
capital development projects and engaged in activities for nation development.
Regional and National Initiatives & Accomplishments
For most of my professional career, I have been a dedicated advocate for the safeguardlng
of wild salmon and habitat. With the assistance of the staff at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
(UBCIC}, I established the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance, an organization of
Indigenous leaders in BC united in our resolve, determination and commitment to ensure
tt,e protection and conservation of wild salmon.
For the past six yearn. I have served as th0 Vice-President of the UBCIC, actively engaged
in the defense of Aboriginal Title and Rights. In this role, I advocate on issues of concern to
First Nations, presented to standing senate committees, supported First Nations' direct
action and have given various keynote addresses and presentations.
I have also been a member of various national working groups on issues covering: water,
environment, aquaculture and fisheries. Since 2009, I have served as the Co-Chair of the
First Nation Child Family and Wellness Council, with the aim of addressing key issues
facing all First Nations children and families in BC.
Platform
I appreciate that First Nations in BC are working hard to pursue resolution of the
outstanding land question. We are engaged in many different ways: negotiating treaties,
various other agreements and seeking remedy through the couiis. We choose paths that
best suit our own nations and this must be respected. In working on behalf of our First
Nations, l will continue advancing issues of importance as guided by the Chiefs through
resolution In addition to thls fundamental work, I am proposing a platform consisting of
three key and related areas: {i) reconciliation as an option and solution; (ii) in pursuit of
resolution: overlapping claims and shared territories; and (iii) securing our future: lands and
resources. The platform document titled, "Securing our future with the voices of all First
Nations in BC" is available on my website: !f.\1\,y1;yJ;i,c:J?G. cor:�
In seeking to move our work forward and formulating approaches, I commit to ensuring that
at the national level, BC First Nations have strong, consistent representation of our issues,
concerns and input. With the collective support, guidance and strength of First Nations in
BC, I believe that we can accomplish great things and move forward to prosperity. As I
continue my journey to advance this work that means so much to me, I am seeking your
support to elect me as the next BCAFN Regional Chief on June 25, 2015. If you have any
questions or comments regarding my campaign, I welcome your feedback. - _Gi/akas'la.
Contact Chief Chamberlin: T: 604 763.7484 I Email: R('.:J.:!3(:@snnw c:{ I Twitter: @chiefbobbyc