Meet Our Team: Partner Manager & Kehewin Cree Nation Council Member, Tyler Youngchief

* OneFeather was not involved with the electoral process for this Kehewin Cree Nation Election 2024.

Tyler Youngchief is our Partner Manager at OneFeather, which means that he helps Indigenous clients in accommodating a smooth process for their various voting or electoral needs when they reach out to us! But he wears a lot of different hats. He's also a father, husband and most recently was elected as a Council Member for Kehewin Cree Nation. A huge honour and achievement.

His path came to be, upon harmonizing his parenting approach with his political beliefs. He sought to become an active member of his nation's council after finding out in 2015, when he became a "girl dad" that his child may not have rights to be registered as a band member due to a discriminatory law within the nation (created in 1985) that would force their removal from any benefits in the nation.

Nearly a decade later, he's on his way to fulfilling his hopes in making a difference in his nation's decision-making, and driving to dismantle discriminatory practises.

We sat down with Tyler to hear all about his journey to this pivotal political point!

1. How does it feel being elected as Council Member at Kehewin Cree Nation, Tyler?!

I chose to start speaking up to advocate on behalf of my children who are, and always will be band members; I had to be their voice. So it feels great to be able to advocate for my nation, and to also be a voice for my children.

2. What was the process in running for Council?

We had a three week campaign time, I did a lot of phone and some virtual visits, as well as attending one in-person event to discuss my platform with people.

3. Do you have any immediate ideas for the Nation in your new role?

I want to help address the need to make a fair membership law and to address the election law that needs clearer wording to avoid future appeals.

4. How do you juggle being a family man, Council Member and Partner Manager at OneFeather all at once?!

Thankfully I have an understanding partner. My wife Natasha was also one of the reasons why I began to get into politics in my nation, she encourages me to be the change I want to see.

5. What are your hopes for the future of Kehewin Cree Nation?

Fair decision and law-making. Part of that is educating our members on what those laws mean, the interpretation and intent of why we created them. I’d also like to bring my entrepreneurial experience to pivot their economic development department; I want them to try something new.

🎉 Congratulations in your new role, Tyler, we can't wait to see the great changes! You can also read about OneFeather's Elections Operations Manager, Sarah and Client Project Manager, Melissa here - who spill the tea on office life.

Stay tuned to learn about more of our 🪶 staff members, folks.