Governance
Coldwater is governed by a Chief and eight Councillors. With a Custom Election Code, we hold elections every four years. This provides our Band with relative political stability, something of particular importance for long-range projects and planning initiatives. Chief and Council value guidance from the Band’s Elders, as well as direction from membership.
Along with four other Bands (Upper Nicola, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch and Shackan Indian Bands), we were active and founding members of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council. In 1996, the name was changed to the Nicola Tribal Association (NTA) links to web page and became an Incorporated Society, the same year Cook’s Ferry and Siska links to web pages Indian Band joined the NTA. Through this affiliation, we are able to access support with fisheries management and related services.
We are also involved in the identification, protection and stewardship of indigenous cultural heritage and natural resources through our shared ownership of Esh-kn-am Cultural Resource Management Services links to web pages. Esh-kn-am Cultural Resource Management Services is the land and cultural resources management department of Esh-kn-am Joint Ventures, an organization owned by Coldwater, Cook’s Ferry and Siska Indian Bands.