Fred Tolmie has been appointed chief administrative officer (CAO) for shíshálh Nation.
“I’ve always admired the ambition and the courage of the Nation to take steps to improve the quality of life of their people and getting out from under the Indian Act. That caught my attention a long time ago,” said Tolmie in a release.
Tolmie started his new role Aug. 26. Before that he was the chief financial officer for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ[Ucluelet First Nation] for about two years. He also served as the chief operating officer for the First Nations Management Board and before that served as chief executive officer (CEO) and director of finance for Nisga’a Lisims government. For three years Tomie was the BC Assembly of First Nations’ CEO.
Tolmie, who has frequented the Sunshine Coast to visit a Gibsons friend for more than a decade, anticipates creating a “good working relationship” with the community and council, according to the release.
He said he also anticipates focusing on the Foundation Agreement – a unique document signed by the province and shíshálh Nation about a year ago that lays out out land use planning processes, land transfers and consultation protocols.
“I’m excited about the opportunities the shishalh Nation has under the Foundation Agreement and I’m looking forward to working with the senior management team to pull together a strategy for the many benefits there (with the Foundation Agreement), and strong communications with the public,” he added.
Tolmie has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is a chartered accountant.
The Nation had been on a search for a permanent CAO for more than a year.
