Chief Benjamin Gillette

Western Approach

Ben is the newly elected Chief of the Ka:‘yu:k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, currently representing the Western Approach of BC on the Indigenous Caucus of the IAMC-TMX. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Houpsitas and just across the bay on Walters Island in Kyuquot. One of his first jobs was as a student worker for KCFN as a fisheries tech. He has immense respect for the natural environment that has developed through his passion for fishing and hunting as well as gathering and carving. He grew up listening to and taking to heart the teachings of his family as well as the community elders. His focus lies in preserving the lands and oceans for the next generations to be able to assert and practice their traditional ways and sustain their independence.