Governance
Why Governance Matters
The Həleləm Collective exists to support TFN Members’ stability, belonging, and wellbeing through building and managing safe, affordable homes, community spaces, and long-term stewardship of land, resources, and community wellbeing.
Our governance model reflects TFN sovereignty, community leadership, and a commitment to decisions that will serve future generations.
This governance overview describes how decisions are made, who holds responsibility, and how accountability flows.
TFN’s Role
TFN is the sole Member of the Həleləm Collective and acts through Executive Council. Executive Council appoints and may remove Directors, and provides governance oversight to ensure the Collective remains aligned with Nation priorities, culture, and long-term vision.
The Collective operates with independence in its day-to-day work while remaining grounded in TFN governance.
The Role of the Board
The Board of Directors provides governance and strategic guidance.
Board members include:
- TFN Members who bring community knowledge, diverse expertise, and lived and living experience
- One Executive Council representative
- External Directors who offer technical expertise in areas like housing, finance, and development
External Directors strengthen capacity, while TFN leadership remains at the centre of decision-making. Executive Council also appoints one senior staff member to the Board as an advisor. The staff advisor participates in discussions but does not vote.
The Board’s work focuses on:
- Setting strategic direction
- Oversight of finances and risk
- Supporting the Executive Director
- Ensuring decisions reflect TDN values and cultural responsibilities
The Board does not manage or interfere in daily operations. That work is carried out by staff.
Meet Our
Board of Directors
Taylor Baker
Director
Jessica Cross-McCauley
Director
Steven Stark
Director
Isabella Corbet
Director
Kelly P. Lin
Director
Nikki Lorenz
Director
Adam Glover
Director
Tobias Slezak
Director
Komal Shaikh
TFN Staff Liaison
How Decisions Are Made
Governance at the Collective is rooted in Tsawwassen ways of working together.
Where possible, decisions are made through discussion and consensus rather than strict voting hierarchy. Different voices and perspectives are welcomed, and technical advice is balanced with cultural knowledge and community priorities.
This approach takes time, but it helps ensure decisions are thoughtful, grounded, and respectful of future generations.
Working Together: TFN, the Board, and Staff
Governance is designed to be clear and balanced:
Major decisions, especially those involving land, significant investments, or structural change, are informed by ongoing Member engagement and consultation, and approved by Executive Council where defined thresholds are met.
Transparency and Accountability
Members will see governance reflected through:
- Annual reports
- Regular community updates
- Board and staff participation in TFN gatherings and engagement opportunities
- An open Annual General Meeting (AGM) for TFN Members, typically held at the annual Members’ gathering.
- Clear communication about housing initiatives and priorities
Integrity and Accountability
All Directors commit to acting in the best interests of the Həleləm Collective and TFN as a whole. Directors formally affirm a Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest policy, and confidentiality commitment.
Any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts must be disclosed and managed transparently. Directors recuse themselves from discussions where appropriate to protect fairness, community trust, and decision integrity.
A Living Governance Model
The Həleləm Collective is still new. Governance practices will continue to evolve as the organization grows and learns.
The Board will periodically revisit governance practices to ensure they remain culturally grounded, practical, and aligned with community expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is the sole Member of the Society and acts through Executive Council.
Executive Council appoints and may remove Directors and provides governance oversight to ensure the Collective remains aligned with Nation priorities, culture, and long-term vision.
No. The Board operates within an approved mandate and delegated authority.
Major decisions — particularly those involving land, borrowing, structural changes, or significant financial commitments — must return to Executive Council for approval where defined thresholds are met.
The Collective is designed to operate effectively day-to-day while remaining grounded in TFN governance.
No. TFN land cannot be mortgaged, encumbered, or disposed of without Executive Council approval.
Land remains under TFN oversight.
All Directors formally affirm a Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest policy, and confidentiality commitment.
Any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts must be disclosed and managed transparently. Directors recuse themselves from discussions where appropriate to protect fairness and community trust.
Annual budgets, financial reporting, and major financial decisions are reported to and overseen by Executive Council, and approved at Legislature.
Auditing and reporting requirements ensure accountability to TFN.
The Collective cannot take on major borrowing or financial commitments beyond established limits without Executive Council approval.
Financial thresholds are in place to ensure appropriate oversight.
No. Changes to bylaws, mandate, or foundational structure require Executive Council approval as the sole Member.
No. Board compensation policies are approved by Executive Council.
One Executive Council Member serves on the Board to ensure direct connection and alignment.
In addition, a senior TFN staff member participates as a non-voting advisor to support coordination and information flow.
Authority flows: TFN Membership → Executive Council → Board → Executive Director
Accountability flows back through the same structure: Executive Director → Board → Executive Council → TFN Membership
The Collective’s structure was carefully designed to:
• Strengthen housing delivery capacity
• Protect TFN land and financial interests
• Maintain clear Executive Council oversight
• Prevent mission drift
• Ensure long-term accountability to Members
It reflects lessons learned and a commitment to responsible stewardship.
Questions and Feedback
If you have questions about governance or oversight, please reach out to board@hulelum.ca