THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bio and photo in development
Frank George - Songhees
Frank George (nickname Bangus) – Director, Songhees Nation
Frank George was appointed Director of the Te'mexw Treaty Association in early 2009 and is Chair of the Finance Committee.
Frank, who was born in Victoria, BC has a long history of community service. He was first elected to Council for Songhees in 2001 and has served four consecutive terms. In September 2009, he stood for re-election and won another two-year term to represent his community.
“The main reason Songhees Nation is in Treaty is that we need more land for our children and those to follow,” says Frank. “Our position has always been ‘no land, no deal.’”
Frank owns a dump truck and has been in the business for a decade. These days, he hires a driver to work for him, allowing Frank more time to dedicate to his increasing responsibilities.
Frank’s portfolio on Council is health. He enjoys walks and workouts at the gym and swimming pool, and he wishes everyone good health and good exercise.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of looking after your health,” says Frank, who has integrated regular long walks into his own health and fitness routine. “Getting proper nutrition and regular exercise is a top priority for me, and I get that message out to members of the community as often as I can.”
Married to his wife Linda for 40 years, the couple raised two boys and two girls. They now enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, and the family enjoys watching NFL football games together.
Chief Michael Harry - Malahat
Bio and photo in development
Dennis Charles - BEECHER BAY
Dennis Charles has been a politically active member of the Beecher Bay community for many years. He was elected as Chief for one term, served as a Councillor for 16 years, and has been a Te'mexw Treaty Association Director for about 9 years.
Dennis has had an interesting and varied career. He worked with other band members for three years on an invasive species removal program with the Department of National Defence, spent nearly a decade as a roofer and owned a restaurant and a charter boat business.
“As a member of the Te'mexw Treaty Association Board, I’ve learned that it’s important to evaluate and think things through,” says Dennis. “I hope what we’re doing will have a good result for younger people in the community.”
Dennis and his wife, Ramona, raised 8 children together and have several grand-children and two great-grandchildren.
Jack Planes - T'Sou-ke
Jack Planes was born and raised in Sooke, B.C. He and his beloved wife, Phyliss, raised ten children together. Before she passed away, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows.
Planes served one term as Chief and two terms as a Council member for the T’Sou-ke Nation. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for 22 years and sat on the executive for the fire department. He was a lands committee representative for one year, a Te'mexw Treaty Association Alternate Director for 3 years and has served as Director for five years.
Before retirement, Planes worked as a logger for 55 years. He has always enjoyed fishing and hunting and continues to exercise his Douglas Treaty rights today. He is a strong defender of the Douglas Treaty rights, and believes it is important to ensure that young First Nations people are guaranteed their aboriginal rights.