A successful whale hunt, like hunting in many other indigenous communities, not only provided food, oil for trading, bones for making into tools, but also meant people had to rely on one another, required the passing on of spiritual practices, taught sacrifice, and contributed to the health and wellbeing of the community. It was part of the reason that at the time of the arrival of the European, First Nations communities had appropriate shelter, bountiful healthy food, good governance, laws, strong morals through strict spiritual teachings and events like the big hunt supported and reflected balanced societies. In today’s contexts, A-in-chut believes education, entrepreneurship and working for a living and for the people require the implementation of these vary same elements.

Traditional teachings have guided A-in-chut to serve First Nations for twenty-three years as a leader, negotiator, facilitator, and strategic planner. Previous to being elected as BC Regional Chief in 2003, he was elected to the executive of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, was Executive Director of a First Nations family addictions treatment facility and was Managing Director of an aboriginal private post secondary training institute, Umeek Human Resource Development.

A-in-chut earned a Masters of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change from the University of Technology, Sydney Australia (in partnership with University of British Columbia, University of the Western Cape South Africa, and University of Linkoping Sweden), continuing a family legacy of focusing on the importance of education. Recently, A-in-chut was honoured to be installed as the first Chancellor of Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo BC, as such becoming the first aboriginal from BC to be named to such a role.

A-in-chut is honoured to be in his 6th year serving as Regional Chief for BC. He has made numerous contributions to the political field within his community, amongst First Nations, and in/between local, provincial, national and international governments. A-in-chut continually strives to work for the well-being of all communities. By supporting communities, particularly the youth, First Nations can once again return to being healthy, economically sustainable and balanced communities, with everyone having a say, sharing responsibility and a role, and all able to pursue educational, work and entrepreneur dreams.