Image: Cheam First Nation / Former Cheam First Nation Chief Andrew Victor, pictured with his wife Melanie, has won Wednesday's by-election to fill a councillor vacancy in Cheam First Nation.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

By-election

Former Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) First Nation chief wins councillor by-election with 38% of vote

Mar 6, 2025 | 6:21 AM

CHEAM FIRST NATION — Former Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) First Nation chief Andrew Victor has won Wednesday’s by-election to fill a councillor vacancy within the band, located east of Chilliwack.

According to election results posted online, Victor won 44 of 115 ballots cast in the by-election, or 38.2 per cent of the total vote. The next nearest candidate wasn’t far behind, former CFN Councillor Luke Pike, with 32 votes, or just under 28 per cent. The results were certified by F.P. Schiffner, electoral officer.

Rounding out the results were Naomi Crey (17 votes), Justin Giroux (12 votes) and Dionne Shaw (10 votes).

Victor mentioned themes of improving life for Cheam members and sustainability in his campaign statement provided by the band.

“Our community deserves to be strong and flourishing, and that requires addressing the issues impacting our families, our territories, and our way of life,” Councillor-elect Victor said. “I believe in building bridges with our relatives and neighbours to achieve common goals. By balancing sustainable living with sustainable revenue, we can create a brighter future for our people.”

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Victor said his commitment to Cheam was predicated upon a foundation of diverse experiences at the regional, provincial and national levels. He previously served four terms on Cheam council, including two terms as chief, giving him a deep understanding of the community’s needs. He also won re-election to the First Nations Health Council by the Sto:lo Tribal Council chiefs and leaders affirmed the trust placed in his leadership. He also held co-chair roles with the Indigenous Health Collaborative Council and its Feedback and Accountability subcommittee, and was involved as the B.C. representative and co-chair of National Indigenous Connectivity Inc.