Image: Chief Aaron Pete

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chawathil First Nation

Chawathil First Nation near Hope elects a new chief

Jul 10, 2025 | 10:04 AM

CHAWATHIL FIRST NATION — The host of a popular podcast who served as an elected councillor and graduated from the Peter A. Allard School School of Law at UBC is the newly elected chief of a First Nation band located west of Hope.

In a statement, Aaron Pete, who graduated with a criminology degree from UFV, announced Thursday morning that he has been elected as chief of Chawathil First Nation, located at 60814 Highway 7 east of Agassiz.

“I ran on a platform of transparency, accountability, and change — and I’ve worked hard to deliver on that promise,” Chief Pete said. “I come from humble beginnings. My grandmother attended St. Mary’s Indian Residential School. My mother Linda Pete was part of the Sixties Scoop. I wasn’t always on the right track. Throughout my early education, many teachers believed I would end up in a gang—that I wouldn’t amount to anything. But despite their low expectations, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Fraser Valley – and a Law Degree from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC.”

Chief Pete cited a number of accomplishments that occurred at Chawathil FN during the past three years:

* Renovated 35 of 89 homes

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* Created a 5-Year Housing Strategy with community input

* Secured $35 million for 31 new BC Housing units

* Secured $5.5 million for a 48-space childcare centre

* Supported the Comprehensive Community Plan

* Delivered the 2024–25 Annual Report

* Launched a Nation website to keep members informed

* Built partnerships with the District of Hope, FVRD & nearby First Nations

“Over the past three years, my Nation and I have made tremendous progress. With the support of Indigenous Services Canada, we’ve renovated homes,” Chief Pete said, citing his time as a councillor. “We’ve secured new housing through BC Housing and confirmed a new child care centre through the BC New Spaces Fund. We launched a new food bank, a new website, the Chawathil mobile app, completed major infrastructure upgrades—and so much more. In the last election, I ran on a promise of change—and I believe we delivered.

As Chief, he says he will continue fighting to:

* Support Elders who need more help

* Give youth better access to sports and recreation

* Address the cost of living, housing, and energy

* Improve services for on-reserve and off-reserve members

* Continue to ensure we renovate homes.

* Continue to improve the amount of housing we have.

* Implement our Economic Development Plan

Chief Pete says the election was especially meaningful to him because it was truly democratic.

“This year, candidates put their platforms forward, the Nation hosted a Meet & Greet, and nearly 50 per cent of eligible voters made their voices heard,” Chief Pete said.

He believes the nation’s best days are ahead with meaningful work in store.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and believed in the changes we’re making together. To those who didn’t vote for me—know that I hear you, I respect you, and I’ll work hard to earn your trust,” Chief Pete said. “My commitment is to serve all members of our Nation with integrity and determination. I’m incredibly excited to continue serving our members and community. There’s important work ahead, and it’s an honour to help lead that work—guiding our Nation toward greater prosperity, stability, and a stronger future. Get used to hearing about Chawathil First Nation – because we are on the rise!”