Biography

Shxwetelemel-elhot, also known as Chief Maureen Chapman, was born in Clearwater, BC. She spent a number of years in Washington State where she graduated from high school, raised her family, attended community college, and returned to BC in the early 1990’s. Her son, Jesse, and his family reside in southeastern Washington State. After returning to BC, Maureen continued her studies at the University of the Fraser Valley and also began her Council work for Skawahlook First Nation. Maureen is the hereditary Chief of her Nation and was selected for this responsibility in 1999. Skawahlook First Nation practices a matrilineal system and her successor is being mentored.

Chief Chapman is the President for the Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Government (SXG), which is negotiating a Self Governing Agreement (aka Treaty) with five other First Nations within the Sto:lo Traditional Territory. She also participates on a number of Committees on behalf of the SXG, locally and provincially. Skawahlook First Nation is a member of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), the BC Assembly of First Nations (FNS), and the First Nations Summit (FNS).