“The future of the Fraser-Nicola region depends on combining Indigenous knowledge, modern science and technology, strong local leadership and long-term investment in community safety.”

Patrick Michell is the retired Chief of T’eqt”aqtn’mux (Kanaka Bar Indian Band) and a lifelong resident of the Fraser Canyon. His career spans law, Indigenous governance, renewable energy, economic development, community safety and climate resilience.

Patrick graduated from the Administrative Management program at Douglas College in 1989 and from the University of British Columbia’s law program in 1993. He began his professional career working on Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy agreements and later served as a Lands Officer with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. After completing his legal articles, he practised law in Lytton from 1997 to 2005.

In 2005, Patrick shifted his focus toward community development and renewable energy. He became closely involved with the Kwoiek Hydro project, a renewable energy initiative first developed by Kanaka Bar Indian Band. He later served as Community Liaison, Lands and Economic Development Officer and, from 2015 to 2022, Chief of Kanaka Bar Indian Band.

During his time in leadership, Patrick also served in a number of advisory and director roles related to climate policy, clean energy, agriculture, finance, Indigenous health and economic development. These included appointments to the BC Climate Solutions Council, the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy, the Fraser Basin Council, the BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and the BC Real Estate Foundation.

Patrick’s work has been recognized with a Clean Energy BC Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to renewable energy, a Clean50 Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on climate change and, most recently, the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

His commitment to climate resilience is also deeply personal. Patrick and his family were evacuated during the 2021 Lytton fire and, like many people across the Fraser Canyon, experienced the displacement, infrastructure damage and repeated extreme weather that followed. From 2023 to 2025, he served as Rebuild Director for Lytton First Nations, focusing on rebuilding and strengthening community and regional resilience.

Today, Patrick continues to provide contracted services and speak publicly on climate change, resilience and community development. He believes the future of the Fraser-Nicola region depends on combining Indigenous knowledge, modern science and technology, strong local leadership and long-term investment in community safety.

Patrick is running to bring decades of experience in law, governance, renewable energy and climate resilience to the people of Fraser-Nicola and to help build communities that are safer, stronger and better prepared for the future.

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